Review of 'The World of Tim Burton'

https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/the-world-of-tim-burton

I am a huge fan of Tim Burton's films with their eerie, gothic imagery, and slightly off-kilter view of reality. This exhibit at the Design Museum in Kensington brings together artefacts from his childhood and directorial career in a fun and entertaining way. Photography of some exhibits is explicitly forbidden but many attendees take pictures anyway as this is quite an amazing display from an extremely talented individual (I have attempted to ensure all pictures in this review are from areas where photography is not prohibited).

The exhibit is divided into sections with the first room “Suburban Beginnings” devoted to his early work including a mock up of his working studio. Burton was raised in a fairly normal suburban environment where to find stimulation he had to turn into his own mind and seek out inspiration from the quirkier films of his day.

The next room “Crafting Imagination” and “Building Worlds” is devoted to material from his many films. Included are some of his stop motion character maquettes from films such as Nightmare Before Christmas and Frankenweenie as well as costumes and pieces from his live action films such as Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Mars Attacks, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is surprising to see just how many films he has been involved with, often films you might not expect such as Pee-Wee's Big Adventure and the big-screen adaptation of Sondheim's Sweeney Todd musical.

Continuing through the exhibit you pass through a fun tunnel containing some of his more unusual creations “Drawing Narratives” including prepatory work for films that never made it to the screen and the New York Museum of Modern Art physical creation of some of his more bizarre drawn plant characters.

The final room “Beyond Film” is focused on his work beyond films and the impact he has had on other artists. There is a (very) short film at the end of the exhibit “Designing the Burtonesque” that recaps much of what the exhibit shows.

In all, a display that gives the visitor an idea of the enormous talent of Burton and his extraordinary talent. It is very much geared towards the macabre but in a playful, imaginative and fun way though he it is also shown that he can do more conventional things as well but it is with the macabre that his heart lies. Note that this London version of the travelling exhibition includes additional items from his London home for the first time.

Well worth a visit to gain an insight into the incredible imagination of Tim Burton. It is recommended to purchase timed tickets in advance as demand for this exhibit is quite high.

Rating: “I have absolutely no complaints”

Review Date: 2025-04-18

Location: London (England)

Address: 224-238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG ENGLAND

Public Transport: High Street Kensington

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 3862 5937

URL: https://designmuseum.org/

A wonderful modern new building on the south side of Holland Park with free permanent exhibits and paid exhibitions. The building itself is an exhibit with it's clean lines and unusual shapes.

As far as facilities, there are two interesting gift shops (one in a separate building just off Kensington High Street). There is also a small cafe in the main building that is often very crowded and has free water available.