During his prolific career, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz created 17,897 comic strips, distributed to over 2,600 newspapers in 75 countries and translated into 21 languages. Reaching a global audience long before the digital age, the characters Schulz created proved their international and enduring influence – addressing themes that remain relevant today.

This legacy is celebrated in Good Grief, Charlie Brown!, an exhibition at Somerset House, London. Through original strips, publications, objects and interactive installations, the show offers a unique insight into the creative process behind Peanuts.

Tapping into ideas surrounding art, faith, existentialism, race, war and feminism, the publication crossed social and economic boundaries – all through the lens of much-loved characters including Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, Franklin and Peppermint Patty.

Demonstrating the wide-reaching power of popular culture, the show highlights intriguing pieces – such as the “Silver Snoopy” from NASA that has traveled to the moon and back – alongside new works by artists and designers inspired by the series. Across sculpture, music, film, design and fashion, contributions from Ryan Gander, KAWS, Eloise Hawser and more respond to Peanuts’ universal relevance.

Good Grief, Charlie Brown! runs until 3 March. Find out more here.

Lead image courtesy Somerset House.