The Wingfield Museum
The studio of the late Aldridge artist behind the beloved Peter- and Jane books is to be painstakingly recreated at Walsall Museum. Harry Wingfield - who died in March just weeks after seeing the first-ever exhibition of his work go on show at the New Art Gallery - is credited with having encouraged millions to read worldwide and creating images forever embedded in the nation's consciousness.

In tribute to the legacy, museum staff have set about perfectly preserving history right down to the smallest detail. "At this stage, we've collected material from Harry's house and photographed the studio as was," said Louise Troman. the museum's community history curator. She explained: "We've taken away items and boxed them up and recorded everything so we can put it all together realistically; right down to artists' mess and bits of paper. "We will be able to focus not just on the works, but the man, the artist and the life.

"Harry's son Roger is delighted that people are interested and the family are very very happy that. the museum is going to recreate the studio." she added. The project - which could take up to two years to realise - is set to form part of wider plans to transform the Lichfield Street site. Staff are to make a bid for lottery cash at the end of the year which would be used to create a new, exhibition space where the tribute would stand. Derby-born Harry came to Walsall to work as an advertiser for Crabtrees Electrical fittings in the Chuckery before going freelance as a commercial artist in 1937. It was during this time he honed his skills and the eye for detail needed in the Ladybird hooks series. He died aged 91.

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