Guessing games as stars make self-portraits

Forty writers, actors, musicians and artists, from Eric Clapton to Joanna Lumley, have produced an unusual self-portrait for an exhibition opening today.

All have produced a kind of cryptic visual essay which gives clues to their identity using images of things important to them, such as a much-loved animal, book or clothes.

Contributors to the Dulwich Picture Gallery show include Quentin Blake, Raymond Briggs, Philip Pullman, Ralph Steadman, Andrew Marr, Peter Capaldi and Anna Ford.

Artists' names will not appear on the work to allow visitors to try to guess their identity. A list is available, however.

The inspiration for the exhibition is a Victorian game of describing yourself with images of your favourite things.

What Are You Like?, curated by the Museum of Illustration, runs until 18 January.