Jacqueline Ayer (1930-2012) approached every aspect of her life with a dynamism that led to extraordinary outcomes. Beginning as a fashion illustrator, Ayer later turned her hand to children’s books, textiles and garments, as she worked in New York, Paris, London, Bangkok, Hong Kong and across India.

Ayer’s time in Thailand (1956-63) was a very fruitful period as she was inspired by the scenes and people around her. Her children’s books depicted life in Bangkok in a way that had never been seen in the US. Their bold colours and lively line drawings were highly popular, and retain their vitality today. She also launched her innovative textile company Design Thai, which brought traditional patterns and colours from Bangkok into the 1960s fashion scene. Ayer’s original sketches and personal photographs bring her creative processes and extraordinary adventures to life.