Finding Inspiration in Brian Wildsmith's Illustrations

If, like me, you’re interested in children’s book illustrations, you’ll have most likely come across the work of award-winning illustrator Brian Wildsmith. But we knew we had to write a blog about him, just in case you haven’t seen his stunning work!

Children’s book illustrations offer a wealth of inspiration – often reliant on bold shapes and bright colours, they communicate so much, whether a classic tale or a contemporary story – it’s no wonder we’re constantly looking to children’s illustrators for inspiration! Brian Wildsmith stands out within this genre for his confident line and expressive characters. His use of colour in particular is magical.

Born in Yorkshire in 1930, Brian achieved a scholarship for a grammar school in Sheffield. Brian’s entry into the art world echoes Eppie’s decision to found the Fable Thread – Brian described how, aged 16, while working towards studying sciences, at which he was particularly adept, he 

‘was struck by a blinding flash on my way to a physics class, realising I was on the wrong tracks. A voice said to me, “Is this really what you want to do with the rest of your life?” And the answer was “No, I want to be a creator.”' 

- Quote From Brian’s Illustrated Life Story, BrianWildsmith.com

Sometimes you have to take that leap of faith, and Brian’s choice to follow his passion of creating certainly paid off. He went on to study at Barnsley College of Art and Design, and later the Slade School of Art.

Brian was incredibly prolific, illustrating many books, including fables such as the North Wind and the Sun, and the Arabian Nights. He won the prestigious Kate Greenaway illustration award for his ABC book in 1962.

Brian’s child-like designs and stunning colour combinations could be a great source of inspiration for embroiderers. His characters are often against plain backdrops, and so have very clear outlines, which are then beautifully decorated with patterned clothing.

Like practically all artists (and certainly like us!) Brian took inspiration from the world around him and from art history. On a trip to Sienna with his wife and children, Brian drew the buildings, which found their way into his books. After seeing the mural Guidoriccio da Fogliano by Simone Martini, he sketched lots of horses and riders. The inspiration is clear, but Brian made the horses and riders entirely his own.

Brian Wildsmith used so much colour and pattern in his illustrations, taking the approach that more is more! He didn’t just depict things in their natural colours – a racoon could be pink, a cockerel blue, a rhino purple. His gestural mark-making and masterful colour combinations are endlessly inspiring.

You can explore more of Brian’s books here.