The Little Book of Magic
Private Commission ·
I was selected to create an artists' book in response to the British Library with the theme of Family Mythologies. I created a completely handmade book with tiny illustrations in pen, ink and watercolour, inspired by the imaginary worlds, dreams and nightmares of my childhood.
One of the first books I discovered in the British Library was a tiny handmade book in the Treasures Library, contained in the shell of a walnut, Bay Bridges in a Nutshell published by les2twins. I love the idea of the book as a seed, quietly containing fantastical worlds filled with transformative potential. There is also the practical consideration of size; a very small book can be kept in a pocket, easily transported, and, like a seed, allows ideas to grow and spread. Looking at this book reminded me of a miniature book by one of my favourite illustrators, Maurice Sendak, coincidentally called ‘The Nutshell Library”.
When I was in primary school, my handwriting was so small that the teachers could not read it. But in a society which rewards being ever louder, bigger and bolder, it is easy to internalise that ‘bigger is better’ and forget the quiet, hidden power of small things.
Alice Lockhart
Illustratoralicelockhart.co.uk
London, United Kingdom
English
Alice Lockhart is an illustrator based in London, creating expressive characters and immersive worlds for children and YA. Alice always works by hand, in pen, ink, and watercolour, drawing from observation, memory, and imagination. Alice loves drawing everything weird and wonderful, and her pictures are populated with various creatures and animals. Alice has worked with clients such as Bad Sheep Yarn, Black Spring Press and RDS, and has collaborated with the British Library; her work has also been longlisted for the Folio Society Book Illustration Competition.
Alice is currently available for freelance illustration work; please don't hesitate to get in touch at alicehopelockhart@gmail.com.
Clients: Royal drawing school, Black spring press, Bad Sheep Yarn, British Library
Skills
Software: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop
Associations: The Association of Illustrators
Awards: Folio book illustration competition longlist
United Kingdom
3 Years Experience
Alice Lockhart is an illustrator based in London, creating expressive characters and...