In Search of Perfected Eccentricity

18th February until 28th July 2016
 

Chris Riddell is one of the most well-known British illustrators. Adults and children of all ages know his humorous drawings in colour and black-and-white, because to date he has illustrated more than 150 books for children and teenagers and has also been the political cartoonist for the renowned British Sunday newspaper “The Observer” for the past twenty years. Since the mid-1980’s, Chris Riddell has been drawing pictures for the stories of various authors. These include Kathryn Cave’s successful picture book “Something Else” (1994), popular classics such as “Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver” (2004) retold by Martin Jenkins, and Neil Gaiman’s dark Snow White / Sleeping Beauty fairy tale “The Sleeper and the Spindle” (2014). Together with the popular author Paul Stewart, a close friend and frequent collaborator, he has created the internationally bestselling series The Edge Chronicles (1998ff.). In addition, Chris Riddell writes and illustrates his own books, most recently the two children’s book series “Ottoline (2007-2010) and “Goth Girl” (2014-2015), which are highly amusing – not only for child readers. Chris Riddell has won numerous awards including the UNESCO Prize and the Kate Greenaway Medal. In June 2015 he was awarded the title of 2015/2016 UK Children’s Laureate, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in children’s books. Chris Riddell has a distinctive style – both modern and traditional. With a fast, steady line, yet a lot of attention to detail, he sketches and draws fantastical worlds that are inhabited by bizarre creatures, sinister villains, and compelling heroes. This exhibition presents a selection from the multi-faceted work of the artist. It invites visitors to go on adventurous journeys into more or less fantastical universes. Exhibition opening on 17th February 2015, 7:30 pm Chris Riddell will be present

Copyright Illustrations:
© 2004 Chris Riddell
From JONATHAN SWIFT’S GULLIVER by Martin Jenkins & Illustrated by Chris Riddell
Reproduced by permission of Walker Books Ltd, London SE11 5HJ
www.walker.co.uk
© 2006 Chris Riddell from The Emperor of Absurdia (Macmillan Children’s Books)
© 1994 Chris Riddell from Something Else Text: Kathryn Cave (Viking)