Hairy MacLary's nemesis, Scarface Claw has an exhibition dedicated to this rough tough feline that's been a Kiwi kids favourite for decades. We've spoken to his creator, Dame Lynley Dodd on Standing Room Only about Scarface Claw's origins and motivation for being such a terror. Now we talk to art historian and the exhibition's curator, Penelope Jackson. It's her third hairy MacLary focussed exhibition, reminding us of the artistic merit of Dame Lynley's book illustrations.
As well as the paintings by Dame Lynley, visitors to the exhibition can view the celebrated author's research, preliminary drawings, and preparatory work she does to produce a picture book. The exhibition features more than 40 original illustrations by Dame Lynley Dodd dating back to Scarface's first appearance in 1983's Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, recently named New Zealand's best-selling book of the decade.
The Life and Times of Scarface Claw is now open at Waikato Museum. Penelope Jackson will be giving a talk there on the 28th of March.
