Dinosaurs and Daydreams Brighton is a solo exhibition by illustrator Billy Murphy, running from 10 to 15 November at Gallery 40 on Gloucester Road. Presented by Kaos Projects, it brings together more than 80 works, a new limited edition silkscreen print and, at its heart, a full-scale recreation of a 90s child’s bedroom. Entry is free.
Inside the Bedroom
The centrepiece installation is stocked with PlayStations, Lego, dinosaurs, Beanie Babies and more, modelled on Murphy’s own childhood room. He remembers it as a place to play and create, much as his studio is today.
The show grew out of becoming a parent. Watching his child, Murphy says, made him rethink what matters, and he chose bears and dinosaurs as the way to explore it. The result is billed as playful and poignant in equal measure: a show about nostalgia and what it means to be an adult now. His hope is that visitors leave comforted by the absurdity of it all, and the message he wants to leave them with is that it’s “never too late to be silly”.
The Work
Murphy has more than 220,000 followers on Instagram and a reputation for sell-out shows and art that’s accessible, affordable and funny. At Dinosaurs and Daydreams Brighton, visitors will find:
- Original pieces from his debut book, You Deserve The Little Treat, published in September 2026
- Framed originals in a range of sizes and signed limited edition prints
- A new silkscreen print named after the show
- I’ve Eaten So Many Chicken Nuggets, a dinosaur print in a blue main edition of 50, with five sub-editions in pastels and gold
- Plushies designed by Murphy and hand-sewn by his mum
Works will be available to buy on site and online at artyardsale.co.uk.
Private View and Badge-Making Workshop
The private view takes place on Thursday 12 November, 6pm to 8pm, with a Billy Murphy-illustrated beer from Lost Pier Brewing.
On Saturday 14 November, 12pm to 2pm, Murphy will host a free community badge-making workshop. Participants can use his designs or create their own. Spaces are limited and booking is via Eventbrite.
Dinosaurs and Daydreams Brighton: Visiting Details
- Dates: 10 to 15 November 2026
- Venue: Gallery 40, 40 Gloucester Road, Brighton BN1 4AQ
- Entry: free
The exhibition is aimed at everyone, from families with children to adults looking for some silliness. Follow Murphy on Instagram for updates.
