The Life and Times of Scarface Claw

25 January - 12 May 2019

Free entry

Fierce on the outside and soft underneath, Scarface Claw takes centre stage in his very own exhibition. With more than 40 original watercolour illustrations painted by Dame Lynley Dodd, this exhibition showcases Scarface Claw from his first appearance in Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy (1983) to his latest, and perhaps greatest, Scarface Claw, Hold Tight!, an entire book devoted to one of his misadventures. Published in 2017, this is the story of a day that starts out quite peaceful for Scarface but soon turns into an adventure that takes him across town and beyond. He’s found himself in some scrapes before but for Scarface Claw, this latest takes the cake. The book is based on a real story that played out in Dame Lynley’s hometown, Tauranga. The exhibition also includes early drawings and the preparatory work that goes into producing a picture book. Dame Lynley is both the author and illustrator of her books. Originally curated by Penelope Jackson for the State Library of Western Australia and the Awesome Arts Festival, Waikato Museum is the first New Zealand venue for this exhibition. 

Education programmes are available for this exhibition.

Related events

• Dame Lynley Dodd Book Signing Session
• In Conversation with Dame Lynley Dodd
• Scarface Claw Curator Talk 

Image: Scarface Claw in Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy p. 28 © Lynley Dodd, 1983. Reproduced courtesy of the artist and Penguin Random House New Zealand