Illustration from The Enormous Crocodile. Picture © Quentin Blake

Exhibition preview: Snozzcumbers and Frobscottle! The Wonderful World of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake, V&A Museum of Childhood, London, May 2 - September 6 2009

From the revolting Mr and Mrs Twit to the Big Friendly Giant, this exhibition of more than 80 pieces will allow visitors to explore the wondercrump world of Roald Dahl and take a closer look at wonderful original illustrations by Quentin Blake.

Quentin Blake is famed for his lively, whimsical style, capturing the magic and occasional dark humour of Roald Dahl’s stories.

Illustration from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Picture © Quentin Blake

"There is something magical about Roald Dahl's books," observes Blake, who likes them because "although the characters are very unreal, they're strangely true to life as well." "The awful people are much more horrible than real people - yet rather like them too."

The exhibition also explores the relationship between Blake and Dahl and the difficulties of creating an image of the characters within the various books, revealing Dahl's unique inspiration for Blake when he had problems visualising what the BFG might wear on his feet.

Illustration from The Witches. Picture © Quentin Blake

"I received through the post a rather oddly-shaped and oddly-wrapped brown paper parcel," recalls Blake. "Unwrapping it revealed a large sandal of a type unfamiliar to me. I soon discovered that it was Norwegian and one of Roald's own. It is what the BFG wears."

The sandal will feature in the exhibition, with visitors given the opportunity to meet Frobscottle, Snozzcumbers and dream catchers inside a replica of the BFG's cave.

There will also be footage of Blake, who will make an appearance at the show on May 4, in his studio, and recordings of Dahl reciting his work.

Illustration from James and the Giant Peach. Picture © Quentin Blake

For more information visit the Museum of Childhood