Popular Warrnambool children’s author Paul Jennings says a lot of his stories are set in the south-west.
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One story has a scene at the Koroit caravan park while another is based on the Timboon sewage plant – which doesn’t actually exist.
On Saturday Mr Jennings officially launched Warrnambool Art Gallery’s new exhibition Unreal! which pays homage to some of his most iconic stories.
The exhibition features original artworks by illustrators such as Geoff Kelly, Jane Tanner, Terry Denton and Keith McEwan.
It also includes interactive elements and the desk at which he penned many of his bestsellers.
During the event, Mr Jennings spoke to a large audience about his life as an author. He also launched and signed his latest book, A Different Boy.
Mr Jennings said his first book Unreal! was published by Penguin in 1985. He said he travelled to Melbourne to meet the publishers for the first time.
“The secretary came in and told (the publishers) that Donald Horne was on the phone and they said to tell him that they’d ring him back later because they were with an author,” he said.
“I looked around and thought, who is the author? Then I realised that it was me.”
Warrnambool Art Gallery director Vanessa Gerrans said she was proud to have Mr Jennings’ work showcased at the gallery.
“It was a challenge for us to imagine what an exhibition might be like based on the words of an author, but it was also a blessing to have so many creative illustrations and so many varied styles over time to work with,” she said.
“We are particularly thrilled see how connected people are to the stories and the pictures.”
Illustrator Geoff Kelly also spoke at the launch. He said A Different Boy was the first time he had collaborated with Mr Jennings.
“The first thing I said to Paul was that I had read the book and that I really didn’t think that it needed any pictures,” Mr Kelly said.
“Sometimes pictures can take away from the reader’s imagination. I think that is something that I didn’t want to happen.
“Everyone then agreed that we needed pictures that were basically just wallpaper or like when you go to a play and the curtains open and there’s scenery there.
“It gives you an indication of where you are and what is going to happen but as soon as the actors come on stage and the story is told, you forget about the scenery and the scenery doesn’t impinge on the story at all, it’s just a back drop.”
A Different Boy is now on sale.
The Unreal! exhibition at the Warrnambool Art gallery runs until February 24.