Event overview
This latest MA Children’s Book Illustration graduates invite visitors to come sample the magic potions, gigantic snails, and mirror worlds of their imaginations...
The 2026 graduating cohort of the Goldsmiths MA Children’s Book Illustration programme is proud to announce its final degree show, Once Upon a Line, taking place from 9th – 12th July at the Professor Stuart Hall Building, Goldsmiths.
The exhibition celebrates the journey from first sketch to finished story, from a single line to a completed picture book. Bringing together a vibrant collection of monsters that may not be what they at first seem, characters that invite tiny creatures to live in their teeth, and illustrated worlds that make both you and your little ones look again at our own world, Once Upon a Line offers visitors the chance to discover the work of a new generation of children’s book illustrators.
The show opens with a Private View on 9th July, from 5pm–8pm, followed by public opening from 10th–12th July, 10am–5pm.
Once upon a time, our journey began with a single line. From first marks to finished chapters, Once Upon a Line invites you into the deep and curious places of our imaginations. You may find wonder here. You may find surprise. You may even begin to question what you thought you saw... Was that man in the library really an orangutan in men's clothing?
Over the past year, the 2026 cohort has developed a wide range of original stories and visual worlds, exploring themes of adventure, identity, new siblings, wild and sometimes overwhelming imagination, humour, nature, belonging and so much more. Visitors will be able to step into finished picture book worlds designed for children to laugh, wonder, question, gasp and look again — while also meeting the illustrators, viewing original artwork and celebrating the hard work behind the final show. Who knows, maybe you will meet the next Quentin Blake or Julia Donaldson?
For more information, follow @childrensillustrationgold or contact agrac002@gold.ac.uk or B.Ingman@gold.ac.uk.
Media Contact
Ana Grace
Exhibition Coordinator
agrac002@gold.ac.uk
@pixieanadraws
Notes to Editors
High-resolution images of selected artwork are available on request. Interviews with participating illustrators may also be arranged.
About Goldsmiths, MA Children’s Book Illustration
The MA Children’s Book Illustration programme at Goldsmiths supports illustrators and writers in developing distinctive visual voices for children’s publishing. The course encourages experimentation, storytelling, visual research and professional development across contemporary illustration and writing practice.
Dates & times
| Date | Time | Add to calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Jul 2026 |
5:00pm - 8:00pm Private View |
|
| 10 Jul 2026 | 10:00am - 5:00pm | |
| 11 Jul 2026 | 10:00am - 5:00pm | |
| 12 Jul 2026 | 10:00am - 5:00pm |
Accessibility
If you are attending an event and need the College to help with any mobility requirements you may have, please contact the event organiser in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs.
