WORK by one of the best-known illustrators of the 20th century, Edward Aridizzone, can be seen at the Monnow Valley Arts Centre in Walterstone until November.

Ardizzone is probably best known for his series of books about Little Tim and his friends Lucy, Charlotte and Ginger. In these stories, the first of which, Little Tim and the Brave Sea captain, was published in 1937 and the last, Ship’s Cook Ginger, in 1977 only two years before his death.

As well as being an illustrator of children’s book, he provided illustrations for Radio Times and Punch and many adult books like The Local (1939) and Diary of a War Artist (1974); he was a watercolourist, painter in oils. He taught printmaking at the Royal College and at Camberwell School of Art.

The exhibition comprises the 60 original drawings and watercolours for Tim to the Lighthouse (1968) and Tim’s Last Voyage (1972) from the estate of Dr Nicholas Ardizzone, supplemented by some other illustrations and prints which are offered for sale.

In the Studio at the same time is an interesting touring exhibition 26 Words in which 26 lettering artists have been paired with 26 writers from Group 26. A word chosen at random representing each letter of the alphabet has inspired the writers to select or compose a text which has been interpreted by the lettering artists. Many unusual words appear and many different letter forms and materials from, clay, stone, wood and paper.

The centre is open Thursdays and Fridays 11am to 5 pm and at weekends 2-5 pm except during hart 6-14 September when it is open every day 11am to 5 pm.

Both exhibitions run until Sunday, November 2.