At the Design Museum in London, an immersive exhibition celebrates Tim Burton, the visionary director behind iconic films like Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands. The show dives deep into his creative journey, showcasing everything from his childhood drawings to the infamous Catwoman outfit worn by Michelle Pfeiffer.
Reflecting on his early artistic influences, Burton recalls an art teacher’s encouragement: “These are just great. You keep it up and don’t ever stop.” And he took that advice to heart, sketching relentlessly on napkins, menus, and classified ads in the Los Angeles Times. His unique visual storytelling has come to define the so-called “Burtonesque” aesthetic—where images often tell the story more than plots, characters, or dialogue do.
The exhibition, titled The World of Tim Burton, is not a brand-new endeavor but rather a reimagined version of a show that has traveled globally for ten years. Burton Productions created the original, but the Design Museum emphasizes that this iteration has been updated and expanded, offering fresh perspectives on his work through “the lens of design.”
The journey starts in Burbank, California, where a young Burton found solace in drawing amidst the mundane suburbia of his youth. Interview footage reveals his reflections on Burbank as “anywhere USA”—a blank canvas, where he often sought refuge in nearby Valhalla Memorial Park, exploring more fantastical realms far removed from his pastel surroundings. This contrast is vividly illustrated in films like Edward Scissorhands, where the colorful homes starkly oppose the dark, gothic world of the protagonist.
Visitors can also view some of Burton’s teenage creations, such as The Giant Zlig, a book inspired by Dr. Seuss, and his award-winning poster for Burbank Beautiful Inc. The exhibition tracks the evolution of his artistry, from his early work as a moody animator at Disney to his breakthrough feature film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, leading to a series of beloved dark comedies such as Beetlejuice and Batman.
The exhibition highlights Burton’s eclectic inspirations, drawing from sources like Edgar Allan Poe, the quirky aesthetics of Edward Gorey, surrealism, and vintage sci-fi. Collaborators such as costume designer Colleen Atwood and puppet-makers Mackinnon and Saunders are acknowledged for their contributions to bringing Burton’s whimsical visions to life. Attendees can marvel at the intricate costumes that merge body and clothing, like Michelle Pfeiffer’s striking Catwoman ensemble and Christina Ricci’s dress from Sleepy Hollow.
Designed to evoke Burton’s distinctive style, the exhibit features white timber frames reminiscent of suburban houses, a shadowy room filled with drawn figures, and a series of uneven doorways across a warped checkerboard floor. His private studio—complete with sketches and art materials—is recreated, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the multiple worlds he has designed.
Throughout the exhibition, attendees encounter a visual narrative that spans over five decades. His drawings, with their vibrant expressiveness, reveal an ongoing fascination with exaggerated body parts and grotesque elements. While some might argue that Burton’s work lacks the range of other cinematic masters, his unique perspective and prolific output have undeniably captivated audiences across generations.
The World of Tim Burton runs at the Design Museum in London until April 21, 2025.