New exhibition explores literary influences of one of art's great storytellers

Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature explores three of the acclaimed Portuguese-British artist's most ambitious and profound series of prints, inspired by nursery rhymes, JM Barrie's Peter Pan and Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre.

The exhibition, presented by Hayward Gallery Touring, presents each series of prints with a number of the artist's personal items - on display for the first time.

Unseen preparatory sketches, etching plates and Rego's very own childhood copy of Peter Pan all feature, giving audiences an intimate portrayal of the artist's lifelong fascination with literature and how she transformed source material into startlingly original and unexpected pictures.

From menacing creatures etched into life from children's nursery rhymes to near hallucinatory depictions of Neverland from Peter Pan and the power-based, tumultuous relationships Brontë described in Jane Eyre, Rego's prints tell stories which combine fantasy and imagination, innocence and cruelty, to explore the complexities of life in all its strangeness and mystery.

Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature opens at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday 19 September.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "This exhibition celebrates Paula Rego's reputation as one of art's great storytellers, taking inspiration from classic novels, fairy tales and folklore to create stunning prints.

"With never seen before personal items on display, it promises to give a unique insight into Paula's creative process and we're delighted to welcome this touring exhibition to Rugby."

During the exhibition's run, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum welcomes artist and author Paul Coldwell for a talk about Rego's work.

Paul - who worked with Rego on her etchings for nearly 20 years - visits the Little Elborow Street venue on Thursday 22 October.

And on Thursday 12 November, the venue hosts a free screening of Paula Rego: Secrets and Stories, a documentary celebrating her life and work - directed by her son, film-maker Nick Willing.

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "The exhibition of prints, presentations and documentary screening will give visitors a real understanding of these creative artworks and the stories which inspired them.

"I'd encourage the young - and not so young - to visit the exhibition and enjoy this magical collection."

Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature runs at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum until Saturday 21 November.

For more information, visit www.ragm.co.uk