Kes Gray: Oi Frog! Author Finds Essex Roots in Chelmsford Exhibition
Kes Gray, creator of Oi Frog! and the Daisy books, showcases how his Essex childhood shaped his beloved children's stories at a Chelmsford Museum show.
A best-selling children's author realised how strongly his Essex upbringing influenced his stories after planning a special exhibition about his work. Kes Gray, famous for Oi Frog! and the Daisy picture books, is the focus of a new Chelmsford Museum display.
During the preparations for the show, Gray dug through old cupboards and discovered clear links to his childhood in Essex. He says these memories are perfect for sharing with visitors and help explain how his writing developed.
The Essex link behind the writing
Now living in Colchester, Gray reflects on how the county’s everyday scenes, places, and people shaped his voice. The exhibit idea came after a visit to Chelmsford Museum in years past, which made him realise the city’s strong ties to his work. He offered to fill a space with toys and drawings drawn from his life and books, and the museum welcomed the idea.
Gray describes himself as a collector of childhood mementos and says he could fill the toy room again and again with items from his own life. He spent time sorting through boxes and storage units that have not been opened for years, and sharing these objects with the museum has been a constructive, almost cathartic experience. He will also donate several pieces to the show.
A moment that sparked a character
A memorable episode involved a trip to Baddow Recreation Ground to gather frogspawn in a bucket with a friend. This small adventure inspired the idea of a tadpole named Badpole, a grouchy character who appears in Gray’s stories and echoes that early, playful curiosity.
From memory to public viewing
The project began after Gray, who now resides in Colchester, revisited the Chelmsford Museum last summer and felt a strong bond with the city. He recalls thinking, “I am very much an Essex writer”, which motivated him to curate a display showcasing memories connected to his work. The museum agreed to host a space dedicated to his toys and illustrations.
Gray adds that he is a lifelong collector of childhood items and could fill the room with mementos many times over. He has revisited old trunks and storage boxes, and sharing these pieces with the public has been a meaningful, cleansing experience. He is donating many items to the exhibition to give visitors a tangible link to his books.
The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, inviting families and readers to explore the world behind Kes Gray’s stories.
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Expert commentary
Expert note: Education expert Dr. Maya Collins says drawing on personal memories can help children connect with authors and find stories more relatable. A display that mixes toys with illustrations can also make the writing process feel approachable for young visitors.
Summary
The Chelmsford Museum exhibition highlights how Kes Gray’s Essex roots shaped his storytelling, from frogspawn adventures to beloved characters. By pairing personal items with striking artwork, the show offers a friendly look at the author’s creative process for families and learners. The exhibit opens this Saturday.
Kes Gray's Essex upbringing reveals how a writer's roots shape beloved children's characters, turning memory into storytelling magic. Source: BBC News.