"When I used to read fairy tales, I fancied that kind of thing never happened, and now here I am in the middle of one!"

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Across the waters, and faraway…a new adventure awaits. Robert James Workshop will soon be swapping the sleepy pastures of Somerset for the Potomac River, neoclassical architecture, and the brisk autumnal zephyr of mid-Atlantic America…

On the 28th of November 2023, our much-awaited Through the Looking Glass exhibition opens at the world-renowned O Museum in Washington, D.C.

If you'd like be one of the first lucky few to experience this not-to-be-missed event, and get a unique chance to meet the master creator himself, James Coplestone, you can book tickets now by pressing the button at the bottom of the page. If you can't make the exhibition on the opening night, fear not...you can visit anytime after the 28th!

Through the Looking Glass

The Through the Looking Glass Exhibition at the O Museum’s Secret Gardens will be a magical journey through the pages of classic children’s literature. The museum has kindly invested in a permanent collection of original Robert James Workshop sculptures, and we're delighted to be sharing them with a new audience in America.

Immerse yourselves in the imagination of beloved authors Lewis Carroll and Beatrix Potter to name but two—each creation captured perfectly in stunning handcrafted bronze. The exhibit will include a tour of the museum’s 100+ room mansion, on which you can search for 80 secret doors, as well as enjoying complimentary Beefeater Gin served in teapots and teacups!

Your favourite literary characters

We’re able to take a large range of our sculptures to Washington, D.C. with us—covering a wide variety of cherished children’s authors. From Lewis Carroll’s Alice, White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, and Cheshire Cat to Beatrix Potter's most adored creation: Peter Rabbit.

Norman Thelwell’s Pony & Rider will also be joining us for the trip across the ocean, as well as Winnie the Pooh and Piglet from A.A Milne’s classic book series, the Owl and the Pussy-Cat from Edward Lear’s timeless nonsensical poem from 1871, our Wonderland chess set, and our Lewis Carroll-inspired jewellery collection from Storybook Jewellery. There’s really something to enjoy for all ages and all literary tastes.

The Barefoot King

Alongside the ensemble of classic literary characters that will be on display at the O Museum, we're thrilled to be showcasing a series of limited edition James Coplestone coloured illustrations of the The Barefoot King, each of which will be available to purchase.

The Barefoot King is a character forged at the very beginning of the Robert James Workshop journey. Handmade in James’ back garden, whilst learning about the wonders of alchemy, this soulful fellow came to life. The king, in his nightgown, has taken a rest from the tiresome responsibility of running his kingdom, to walk barefoot into nature and rediscover the wild things that thrive there!

We will also be taking commissions proposals to turn these beautiful hand-drawn artworks into large bronze sculptures. A truly unique opportunity to own a Robert James Workshop original!

About the O Museum

O Museum in The Mansion (OM) is an independent nonprofit museum which uses the power of the arts and social justice to educate, inspire, and achieve peace through diversity. 

Voted among the Top 5 historic venues to explore by Smithsonian Magazine, the O Museum creates a uniquely immersive environment for its visitors and has been featured in numerous books, television shows, and magazines since its opening in 1998. 

Robert James Workshop are certainly in exalted company with their upcoming exhibition; the O Museum is a treasure trove of cultural and historic touchstones from the world of art, music, sports, and film. From Bob Dylan’s signed guitar, original artwork by Mersad Berber, Frederick Hart, Gerald Johnson, to Prince’s Purple Rain jacket. 

If you’d like to find out more about this exciting new exhibition, please get in touch or click the button below to book tickets directly from the O Museum website.

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