Last century, British artist Ernest Shepard helped to bring the stories of Winnie the Pooh to life through his illustrations.

The stories by AA Milne, written in the early 1900s, remain popular with children and adults alike.

Now, some of Shepard's original sketches are on display at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), giving visitors a chance to see how some of the much-loved characters were created.

The drawings were given to TMAG in 1981 by the sister of Shepard's second wife, Frances Carrol, who lived in northern Tasmania.

TMAG's principal curator of art, Jane Stewart, said she believed the collection of Shepard's work was the only one in Australia.

"I think it's remarkable that these drawings, which were created in the UK in the 1920s up until the 1950s, have ended up in Tasmania," she said.

The illustrations were donated in 1981, and have only been displayed once before, in 1995.

This drawing titled Teddy Bear is one of those specially hung at child height. ( Supplied: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery )

Ms Stewart said this was because the paper drawings were delicate, and could not be showcased permanently due to the risk of damage.

"If they were oil paintings they might be on permanent display, but that's just not possible given their medium," she said.

Ms Stewart said she hoped the exhibition struck a chord with people of all ages.

"The [sketches] were drawn as Shepard was imagining these characters, bringing them to life, and there is magic, I think, in that idea," she said.

"I hope that they feel they've had a sort of behind-the-scenes peek at what might've gone on in Shepard's mind."

The exhibition brought back memories for some and made new ones for others. ( ABC News: Harriet Aird )

Hand-written notes reveal love for characters

That insight into the illustrator's thought process is shown through handwritten notes addressed to Pooh and his friends.

This sketch contains notes from Shepard explaining why the clock was drawn. ( Supplied: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery )

One such note reads: "This clock was invented and drawn by Ernest H Shepard for his friends Pooh and Piglet to encourage them in habits of punctuality."

Ms Stewart said it showed the emotional connection the artist had to his work.

"Those notes, which were never published — they were eliminated from the printed illustrations, I think say quite a lot to the characters he brought to life," she said.

The pieces are hung at a lower height to more easily engage the younger audience.

"[We] want children to look more closely. We've hung them at a lower level than we would normally," Ms Stewart said.

"I hope that means children can come eye-to-eye with these works."

Famous works drawing families in

One mother said she enjoyed sharing the experience with her child.

"For me to see how it started, and to show [her daughter], is really special," she said

Another visitor, now a grandparent, remembered the illustrations from her childhood.

"I was read the stories as a child, I've got the books at home, and then I read them to my children."

She said seeing the sketches was heartwarming.

"It's just a warm feeling, warm and fuzzy."

One young fan said the humour and adventure in both stories was key to their success.

"I like it because lots of the stories are really funny," she said.