McBess (aka Matthieu Bessudo) opened his latest London show – The Folding Knife at The Book Club in the heart of London’s East End on Thursday and we were there. With exclusive mural work and prints, the entire venue is cleverly covered in McBess’ signature black and white illustrations. A journey through the weird and wonderful world of the French illustrator/director, The Folding Knife contemplates both current and childhood memories. A witty regression into Matthieu’s experiences, the show includes his first folding knife, chicks in bikinis, guitars and of course tins of bear doodie…

Those of you familiar with McBess will know he has a bit of a cult following and, for us, that’s no surprise; his surreal, naughty and nostalgic works attract not only tattooed misfits but an admiring international audience too. His fascinatingly intricate works will have your eyes journey the illustrations for some time, and there is plenty to be seen here.

The Book Club is the perfect environment to exhibit McBess’ decadent work; the day and night venue hosts not only a stylish mish-mash of new and old furnishings, but it’s also the kind of casual spot for food, art, creative chit-chat and even a game of ping pong that you imagine his characters frequenting. Alongside the exhibition, the brilliant Nobrow are publishing a book of McBess’ work from the past three years, and the lucky patrons of The Book Club get to enjoy the original cover throughout the exhibition…

McBess: The Folding Knife runs 4th August – 18th September