I will be at the Kuwait International Book Fair this November to talk about my books and how I work. It is in conjunction with the British Council’s Drawing Words Exhibition which will be on show at the book fair. I will be doing some drawings and talking ad nauseam about how I approach illustrating my picture books. If you’re in the gulf, drop in and say hello.
String theory…
Inkjet printers aren’t designed for the U.K., but string never fails. I hope the cat turned up safe and sound.
What grid?
Pisa Cathedral in biro…
Looking south at the cathedral, excluding thousands of tourists.
Are we moving?
At Seven Stories in Newcastle, MuMu and Lox are on show in the Drawing Words Exhibition. They have finally found a re-use for the glass elevator exhibit left over from that Roald Dahl exhibition. It reminds me of the page in the book where they catch a lift up to the observation deck of the tall building. Lauren Child took the picture and sent it to me. She’s very thoughtful.
Photo: L. Child.
Paper doesn’t grow on trees...
William’s drawing knows no boundaries. His swirling scenes depict armies and attacks and glorious victories, layered in vivid colors. We have to keep adding sheets of paper to satisfy his story. One day the war will be completely over and so will the rainforests.
I don’t know where to start.
There’s an ink shortage you know.
I don't remember drawing that…
Found on a tax receipt c. 2000.
Anti-climbing frame…
William’s drawing at a museum…
William’s drawing explains what was on his mind after walking around the army museum for half an hour. I admired the cafe’s wooden tables and wondered where I could get one. We had a good day.
Prime Minister's Literary Awards 2019 announcement…
Click coat of arms to learn more.
French lettering gets better with age…
I don’t know if the letters sat on a baseline when this was sewn or not, but it sure looks good now. Like the standard is blowing in the wind. It was taken from the battlefield at Waterloo by the Royal North British Dragoons (later known as the Royal Scots Greys). The red and blue has long since faded.
As seen at the National Army Museum, Chelsea.