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!
If the Crush Litter work was done when he was still in school, he showed his talent very early. Did people support him, that long ago?
ReplyDeleteHels
Art and Architecture, mainly
I think he definitely had a lot of support financially but I believe he had a very lonely childhood. Reminds me of the head boy in my year - he used to make incredible airbrushed art but was a very lonely child.
DeleteWhat an interesting exhibition. But how come it did not include props from Beetlejuice?
ReplyDeleteI think for two reasons - Burton didn't actually create Beetlejuice, Michael McDowell did, so there wouldn't have been original concept art. As for props and memorabilia, I suspect that if they exist, they might be used for promoting the sequel
DeleteWhat a great exhibit to see all these works from Tim Burton! When he first came out with his movies, he was an overnight sensation. It's a shame you don't hear much about him anymore. Or maybe he's just not giving interviews?
ReplyDeleteIt was indeed a great exhibit. He's been keeping very busy - Wednesday came out in 2022 and was very popular on Netflix and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice came out last year. The second season of Wednesday is due out later this year and I can't wait.
DeleteAny artist with that kind of imagination must be busy in his/her hear all the time, Mandy!!!It makes me tired just thinking about it. But what a delight to see, even if you were underwhelmed. Thanks for sharing the experience.
ReplyDeleteI still enjoyed it, despite the busyness - I am just such a fan of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice that I was disappointed.
DeleteOh, Mandy, what a great place to visit even if it was crowded and not "organized". My eye caught the drawing of "the Waiter". I love those details and if you look longer to that drawing you see more and more great details. I do have to admit that I had an internet search for Tim Burton and then I recognized what he all did. A creative mind that is for sure. A very nice post showing some remarkable gadgets and I put the movie "Mars Attacks!" (1996) on our watch-list. :)
ReplyDeleteA day well spent is my thought here. How fun.
Have a wonderful day.
Yes, it is his eye for detail that is especially enthralling!
DeleteMandy, that last comment was from me. I was the one that did a search on the internet. I am sorry for the confusion, for got to put my name in and url.
ReplyDeleteAaah, somehow I knew that it was you Astrid :)
Deleteindeed an eclectic collection of artifacts, i did not know there was so much! you made a wonderful post out of it, Mandy.
ReplyDeleteThank you Ayush - I hope oyu enjoyed it
DeleteWouah ...quel partage passionnant , cette exposition doit être très interessante à découvrir
ReplyDeleteMerci pour les photos
Bonne journée
Merci Claudine, pour ton gentil mot et pour ta visite sur mon blog.
DeleteTim has an interesting way of looking at things...
ReplyDeleteHe does - he is such a visionary artist
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