"Through The Garden Gate" by Susan Hill, illustrated by Angela Barrett (published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd, London 1986) Part 4

 

One more from the large selection of majestic illustrations in this book. The serenity and dreamlike quality of Angela Barrett's pictures remind me of work by the Symbolists and the Pre-Raphaelites from the late 19th century. And, of course, there's a strong element of surrealism in the strange garden landscapes, secret doorways, tall hedges, quirky objects, shadows and half-hidden figures - that are so typical in Magritte's work.

Susan Hill (born 1942, Great Britain) is the author of many other books, including detective novels, ghost stories, memoirs and children's books. Here's a link to her own website:  http://www.susanhill.org.uk/susan_hill_autobiography

"Through The Garden Gate" by Susan Hill, illustrated by Angela Barrett (published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd, London 1986) Part 3

 

Here's an interview of Angela Barrett for "Books For Keeps" an online magazine about books - written by Quentin Blake who also taught her at the Royal College Of Art: http://booksforkeeps.co.uk/issue/131/childrens-books/articles/authorgraph/authorgraph-no131-angela-barrett  It gives the reader a good insight about her work process, ideas and techniques. It also gives more information on her long career as a children's illustrator and references to other books by her.

 

 

"Through The Garden Gate" by Susan Hill, illustrated by Angela Barrett (published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd, London 1986) Part 2

 

Every book illustrated by Angela Barrett is a gem! There is so much patience, effort and talent in each illustration, large or small- and there are dozens in this book. Born in Essex in 1955, she studied illustration at the Royal College of Art. She produced editorial illustrations for publications such as The Sunday Times Magazine, The Observer Magazine, House and Gardens as well as book jackets for various publishers through out the late seventies and eighties. Some of the thirty or so titles she illustrated are: "The King, the Cat and the Fiddle"(1983) by Yehudi Menuhin and Christopher Hope, "Joan Of Arc"(1999) by Josephine Poole, "The Hidden House"(1991) by Martin Waddell - winner of the 1991 W.H. Smith Illustration Award, "Can It Be True?"(1988) by Susan Hill - category winner of the 1988 Nestle Smarties Book Prize, and many more.

 

 

 

 

"Through The Garden Gate" by Susan Hill, illustrated by Angela Barrett (published by Hamish Hamilton Ltd, London 1986)