The Prize
Our new exhibition, John Burningham's Bedtime Stories, opens on 7 October 2023. To celebrate, we've invited Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to visit the Harley Foundation.
John Burningham illustrated the original novel, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming.
There are two experiences to be won:
The first prize is a ride through the historic Welbeck estate in Chitty! The winner can bring two guests along for a magical treat.
3 x second prizes offer the chance to sit in Chitty and experience the amazing details of this replica machine, and get a fine-four-fendered photo! Chitty will be parked outside the Harley Foundation's museum and each winner can bring along three guests to join them in the car. Each winner and their party will have around 10 minutes to spend in the vehicle.
About Chitty
Chitty fans will know that the original road car from the film, GEN 11, was bought by Sir Peter Jackson and now resides in New Zealand. Before she flew away, theatre musician Rob Alderton was permitted to take detailed notes and photos from the car to create an exact replica. The Harley Foundation will be hosting his exquisitely detailed car for the exhibition opening, lovingly recreated with help from vintage car engineer Phil D’Archambaud.
There’s one vital change to the design – in place of Ian Fleming’s powerful eight-litre zeppelin engine, Alderton and D’Archambaud have fitted an electric version… but have added a big twelve-cylinder sound.
Lisa Gee, Director of the Harley Foundation, says: “It’s amazing to think of John Burningham, sat in his studio, constructing the first model of Chitty out of balsa wood and bits and bobs. Little did he know that his design would influence one of the most trailblazing films of the 60’s. I love that all these years later, this design is still inspiring people like Rob to embark on projects which require such incredible making skills and dedication.”
About John Burningham's Bedtime Stories
John Burningham’s Bedtime Stories is a free-entry exhibition which will be showing at the Harley Foundation until 24 January 2024. These stories have captivated generations of readers, and this exhibition is a great opportunity to share Burningham’s magical world with the kids.
Burningham’s original model for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be accompanied by original illustrations, layouts and dummy books from nine of his award-winning children's stories, including Borka, The Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers and Harvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas Present.
The Cause
The Harley Foundation is a charitable trust which supports the visual arts and crafts.
It has created award-winning visitor attractions, a community of artist’s studios, and a vibrant event and education programme on the historic Welbeck estate.
Visitor attractions include the award-winning Harley Gallery, which shows contemporary exhibitions and The Portland Collection, a museum showing the art collection created by the Dukes of Portland and their families over 400 years.
The art spaces are accompanied by the gallery shop specialising in contemporary craft from leading names and emerging makers. Visitors can also enjoy an Art Trail through the Welbeck countryside, family activities, and an events programme that includes pottery courses and a monthly talks programme.
Your contributions support our exhibitions and learning activities.
The Harley Foundation is a registered charitable trust, number 276611.