News

Top illustrators come to Brighton

Published 16 January 2013

Event 18 January – 14 February 2013

A star-studded line-up of the nation's top illustrators has come together for a unique exhibition at the University of Brighton.

All of the artists on show have either graduated or taught at the university and they include Sir Quentin Blake CBE, who illustrated Roald Dahl books; Raymond Briggs, who illustrated The Snowman book; and award-winning children's books illustrator Emily Gravett.

Brighton Illustration: Then, Now, After… opens to the public from 18 January to 14 February at the University of Brighton Gallery at the Faculty of Arts in Grand Parade, Brighton.

According to the organisers, the exhibition "aims to reflect on the diversity of work originating from the Illustration studios at Brighton over the last 40 years, celebrates achievements and highlights the possible directions illustrative practice may take in future."

Other artists among the 130 exhibitors are George Hardie, best known for producing album covers for Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd; John Vernon Lord, illustrator of children's classics including Lewis Carroll's The Hunting of the Snark; and Peepshow Collective, the design studio launched by University of Brighton graduates.

Emily Gravett shot to national fame whilst still studying at the university: "In the last months of my illustration degree, I entered and was lucky enough to win a competition run by my current publishers Macmillan. This resulted in a publishing deal and a huge amount of happiness for me." Gravett is probably most recognised for her children's books including the award winning Wolves.

Wolf Won't Bite! by Emily Gravett

A spokesperson said: "The faculty also produces graduates whose works shape the progression of illustrative arts. Former student and lecturer Jasper Goodall has a reputation for innovative and cutting edge design, and has created iconic works for artists such as Muse and The Face magazine. Many designers credit him as a driving force behind the revival of illustration in the 90s, and his modern and fresh approach is almost considered a discipline in its own right.

"Staff also have a long history of success at the university, including Raymond Briggs, whose work is as revered today as it was back in the 70s. The sequel to his much loved The Snowman illustrated film, The Snowman and the Snowdog, premiered on Channel 4 this Christmas Eve.

"Professor George Hardie, whose work many people will recognise from the Pink Floyd album The Dark Side of The Moon also teaches on the MA course.

"The faculty has a distinct and innovative approach to Illustration, where students are encouraged to explore the boundaries of the discipline, encompassing both analogue and digital technology, drawing, painting, collage, animation, printmaking, film, music graphics, photography, ceramics, graphic novels, 3-D, static and interactive arts."

The exhibition is open 10am–5pm, Monday to Saturday, 18 January–14 February 2013.

Find out more about the exhibition: www.then-now-after.com.