A new family-friendly exhibition opening at the Museum of Chelmsford this autumn will explore the works of bestselling children’s author, Kes Gray, who comes from Chelmsford.
Through interactive exhibits, toys and illustrations Oi Chelmsford! Kes Gray: Chelmsford Born and Read will celebrate the author’s best loved book characters and share how his childhood experiences across Chelmsford have influenced their adventures.
Oi Chelmsford! is an ode to Kes Gray’s quirky imagination. Children will be able to immerse themselves in the author’s books, with large, bold and colourful illustrations on display – including drawings by famed children’s illustrators, Nick Sharratt, Garry Parsons and Jim Field.
Increasing access for SEN families
Oi Chelmsford! has been curated by the museum in collaboration with Kes Gray and publishers Penguin Random House and Hachette Children’s Group. The museum has also worked closely on the exhibition with young Special Educational Needs (SEN) families through the charity Action for Family Carers. Local SEN families have been consulted during the design phase of the exhibition, to ensure interactive elements are widely accessible to all families and provide positive sensory experiences for SEN children. The outcome of this work will help build upon the museum’s existing offer for SEN families.
Exhibition opens 29 November
Oi Chelmsford! opens on Saturday 29 November and will run until June 2026.
An accompanying programme of events will provide opportunities for families to further explore the imaginative world of Kes Gray.
Watch this space for news of our special Oi Chelmsford! event taking place during Essex Book Festival 2026!
Read more about the Oi Chelmsford! exhibition in this Chelmsford City Life article.