The interactive exhibition celebrates 40 years since the beloved children’s book was first published and invites visitors to step inside the story.
Opening at the Postal Museum in London on 14th February, where it will run until January 2027, The Jolly Postman is the first exhibition dedicated to the book by Janet and Allan Ahlberg.
The exhibition will feature original artwork from the Ahlberg archives, much of it never before displayed publicly, diving into the story behind the book through prototypes and early design concepts, seen alongside the everyday stamps, cards and postal uniforms that inspired them. Alongside the early design concepts will be Janet Ahlberg’s hand-drawn sketches and Allan Ahlberg’s notebooks.
As part of the exhibition, visitors will be able to peek inside miniature houses to spot fairytale characters along the Jolly Postman’s delivery route, wander through the woods to the Three Bears’ cottage, deliver ‘royal mail’ to Cinderella at the palace or dare to enter the Witch’s house.
Laura Wright, CEO of The Postal Museum said: “The Jolly Postman has been a hugely popular part of our schools and family programmes since the museum opened. Now we’re delighted to invite our visitors to step into the story in a new exhibition full of interactive surprises alongside never-before-seen original artwork.”
About The Postal Museum
Based in London, The Postal Museum tells the story of postal communication through the eyes of the postal service. The museum features interactive permanent and temporary exhibitions and hosts events and learning activities.
Among the highlights are stamps dating back to 1840 and the development of the postal uniform through the years. Visitors can also ride the Mail Rail - a small train used to transport mail under the streets of London.
School visits and resources
The Jolly Postman is included with admission to the Postal Museum. The museum welcomes school groups for self-led visits and guided visits with interactive sessions. Visiting pupils can explore the exhibition as well.
The Postal Museum also offers virtual sessions to engage with the exhibition and learning resources to support classroom teaching.
The museum is also encouraging pupils to make fairy tale postcards, draw their favourite characters, write a letter about they like the book or create their own designs. Some artwork will be displayed as part of the exhibition.
School visits to the museum can also include access to Sorted: The Postal Play Space - an immersive miniature town with streets, buildings, trolleys, pulleys, slides and mail chutes, along with a ride on Mail Rail.
For more information about The Postal Museum, visit www.postalmuseum.org.
