Ginger Meggs turns 94 this year, cementing his place as Australia's oldest and most popular comic strip character.

Meggs first appeared in the Sydney Sunday Sun in November 1921 and a new exhibition at the Museum of Sydney has unearthed original drawings from the early years of the character's life.

Curator Anna Cossu was stunned to receive early drawings by the creator of Meggs, James "Jimmy" Bancks.

"It is really fantastic to be able see what went into making the published strip," Ms Cossu said.

The exhibition explores how the comic strip has adapted to new eras under the pen of each artist and includes the last unfinished strip by Bancks, who died suddenly in 1952.

James "Jimmy" Bancks working on the Ginger Meggs comic strip in 1945 ( Museum of Sydney: Unknown photographer )

The artist's death came a year after he took Meggs and moved from the Sunday Sun to the Daily Telegraph where he is still published today.

The task of choosing a successor to Bancks fell to Telegraph proprietor, Sir Frank Packer, and the Bancks family.

They agreed the role would be taken by Telegraph staff artist Ron Vivian.

The exhibition shows how the drawings of Meggs have evolved over time.

"When Bancks first drew him in 1921, the drawings were very sketchy and unrefined," Ms Cossu said.

"Ten years later, the drawings are much more confident, the lines are really bold."

Ms Cossu said while Meggs' suburban milieu has remained the same, his adventures have reflected the times.

"The situations shown in the strip really do show the social history of Australia," Ms Cossu said

He has evolved from the 1920s world of billycarts to the computer-drawn strips of today in which Ginger laments the loss of his internet connection.

The last unfinished Ginger Meggs comic strip by James "Jimmy" Bancks. ( Museum of Sydney: James Bancks )

The loveable redhead was drawn crossing the Harbour Bridge on its opening in 1932, he has met cricket hero Don Bradman, and he took on space travel in the 1960s.

Meggs' smiling visage also adorned RAAF aircraft during World War II.

The world of Meggs continued off the page, with an array of merchandise including books, dolls, clothing and tableware.

Some of Meggs' popularity is ascribed to the fact that he reflects the disdain of authority which has been a hallmark of the Australian ethos since World War I.

"The larrikin spirit is often invoked in relation to Ginger Meggs," Ms Cossu said.

"We may not all be redheads but there is definitely that sense that he is the typical Australian."

Meggs has been drawn by five artists over his 93 years and is currently drawn by Jason Chatfield.

The comic strip still appears in over 120 newspapers across Australia and around the world.

The exhibition opens July 25 and runs until November 8 at the Museum of Sydney.