The Whimsical World of Tim Burton in London

On a crisp January afternoon, Stephen and I ventured to the Design Museum in Kensington to explore "The World of Tim Burton" exhibition. Running until April 21, 2025, this captivating showcase delves into the fantastical realms crafted by Burton, featuring over 600 items from his personal archives, including early drawings, iconic costumes, and set designs from films like Edward Scissorhands and Batman Returns.

As I wandered through the displays, I was transported into the whimsical and gothic aesthetics that define Burton's unique storytelling. This exhibition is a must-see for fans and art enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the creative mind of a cinematic visionary.

The Owl Clock from Tim Burton’s first live-action film Hansel & Gretel

Burton designed the Crush Litter sign for Burbank's refuse vehicles while still in school

Early pen and ink drawings of the waiter and waitress from Trick or Treat

Tim's actual notebooks!

Frankenweenie puppet and 'film set' maquette

Posters from the films that inspired Tim Burton

A pen and ink drawing

The napkin series of illustrations

Devil Dog

Puppets for early stop-motion tests for Mars Attacks. Stop motion was eschewed in favour of computer animation for budget reasons.

Christina Ricci's dress in Sleepy Hollow

Mia Wasikowska's dress in Alice in Wonderland

Johnny Depp's hands from Edward Scissorhands!

Johnny Depp's costume from Edward Scissorhands

Jenna Ortega's outfits from Wednesday

An Alice in Wonderland-esque hallway through the exhibition

Monster trees

Blue Girl With Wine (1997) painting

Horrifyingly beautiful carousel

Robot Boy from The World of Stainboy

From The Killers "Bones" video

The exhibition was very busy! I expected the timed entry would help keep things manageable, but it still felt crowded, and the lack of clear direction made navigating a bit of a challenge. That, combined with the surprising absence of much Beetlejuice content, left me a little underwhelmed. Still, I’m glad we went - there’s something magical about stepping into Tim Burton’s world, even amidst the chaos!