Oberhausen (dpa / lnw) - Who doesn't know them? With his stories about the "robber Hotzenplotz", the "little ghost" or the "little witch", Otfried Preußler inspired millions of children and adults alike - to this day. The children's and youth book author, who died in 2013, worked with numerous great artists such as F.J. Tripp, Winnie Gebhardt, Herbert Holzing, Daniel Napp, Thorsten Saleina or Annette Swoboda.
An exhibition is dedicated to their work and their importance for the success of the stories, which can be seen from this Sunday until January 15, 2023 in the Ludwig Gallery in Oberhausen Castle. A total of 300 original drawings, including rarely presented works by Preußler himself, as well as film props and photographs attract visitors. In addition, around 50 original ink drawings by the artist Winnie Gebhardt can be admired, the Ludwig Gallery announced on Thursday.
With more than 30 works, Preußler, born in 1923, is one of the most important German children's and young adult authors. In addition to his fairytale stories, the striking illustrations are also fascinating: the little ghost that turns black in daylight, the 127-year-old witch and the little water sprite who lives at the mill pond have found their way into countless children's rooms. The illustrations by F.J. Tripp, who gave the bearded robber Hotzenplotz his fearsome appearance with a rifle and saber in his hands.
