The Big Friendly Giant comes to Buckingham Palace
Saturday 6th August 2016
Visitors to the Family Pavilion, situated on the Palace’s West Terrace and overlooking the magnificent 39-acre Garden, will be welcomed by the sight of a 24ft giant from Roald Dahl's much-loved children's book The BFG. The illustration, which was commisioned specially for Buckingham Palace from renowned illustrator Sir Quentin Blake, is the first-ever life-sized drawing of the Big Friendly Giant.
Quentin said, 'It was very exciting to be invited to do a drawing especially for Buckingham Palace. Since I first illustrated Roald Dahl’s classic book in 1982, I have seen the BFG in various shapes and sizes, including a set of postage stamps for the Royal Mail – however, this is the very first time I have actually seen him life size. I hope there will be many visitors who will enjoy having their photograph taken with him.'
A special seat has been incorporated into the drawing, giving the impression that anyone sitting on it is, like Sophie in the story, sitting on the BFG's hand.
Inside the Family Pavilion families can take part in arts and crafts activities to make hats inspired by The Queen's outfits, or even design their own BFG 'dream jar'. Younger children will enjoy dressing up in a range of costumers, from princesses to guardsmen.
The BFG mural is in the Family Pavilion during the summer 2016 opening of the State Rooms and Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace. For further details and to book tickets, visit the Royal Collection Trust website.