Since the Ice Age, man has used pictures to tell stories, whether it be engravings on cave walls, Egyptian papyrus paintings or even Banksy’s trademark graffiti statements. In keeping with that tradition, this month, the V&A Museum of Childhood will welcome the East London Printmakers’ (ELP) magical exhibition of contemporary artworks exploring myths, fairy tales and legends from around the world.

Telling me more about Wonderland, which premiered at a museum in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany, before travelling to the Museum of the Brothers Grimm, in Kassel, ELP group show co-ordinator Katja Rosenberg says: “Fairy tales are about the human soul, our predicaments, our wishes our dreams, and I knew I would be able to find lots of interesting stories.”

Katja encouraged participants to “go as global as possible”, which is reflected in the varied cultural and geographical references evident in the 80 works on display, with inspiration drawn from much-loved European tales, as well as folklore from other continents.

“London is a multi-cultural city and this show reflects this, but the common theme is people have been very personal,” Katja says in a strong German accent. “I know some of the artists very well and they really reflect their soul, and the main subject matter that either bothers them or excites them in real life. It’s very rich in subject matter for adults and children.”

Walthamstow resident Katja was instantly draw to the Hans Christian Andersen’s tale The Ugly Duckling when she set about researching her own piece for the show.

“For me, Walthamstow is a very ugly duckling that has to be discovered,” the 35-year-old explains. “It fights against itself and has so many different things to say about itself but it hasn’t quite learnt to walk. There are so many different artists, musicians and writers from around the world, it’s a very quirky and untamed place and that’s what’s nice about it. I hope it will keep that energy.”

As well as Katja’s lino print, inspired by her trip to Walthamstow marshes, the exhibition includes a grand scale beanstalk made out of small boxes, a beautiful sculpture inspired by the matchstick girl and numerous other screen prints, wood cuttings and etchings.

During the show, there will also be the opportunity for interactive play, with a dressing up box, creative writing area and the chance to create your own monsters to complete a scene painted by artists Ellie Curtis and Nick Morley.

Summing up Wonderland, Katja concludes: “It’s quite an innocent kind of show, it’s very approachable. You will learn about many different stories from all over the world and hopefully how every human is the same, and has the same problems and solutions, no matter what your age.”

Wonderland runs at the V&A Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, from Saturday, September 26 until Sunday, January 10. Details: 020 8983 5200 or www.museumofchildhood.org.uk