Artist gives new life to beloved riverside tale
A new edition of a beloved book is being launched locally illustrating its four animal personalities in vivid watercolor.
Watercolour artist Chris Dunn’s beautifully-illustrated edition of Wind in the Willows will be launched in The Maven Gallery, 3-4 Northumberland Place, opposite the Guildhall, from 10am to 5.30pm tomorrow to Sunday (November 25-27).
The book and the illustrations will be a special treat for fans of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad, Kenneth Grahame’s ever-popular quartet of riverside adventurers.
David Collett, director of the Bath and County Club, said:“the finished book is as marvellous as described and Chris Dunn, a 30-something illustrator, has an interesting tale of making a living from watercolours.”
For more than a century Grahame’s imaginary world has inspired children. Now Chris has produced 120 watercolour illustrations that delightfully complement
Grahame’s words and create a fascinating book.
The book will enchant young readers and bring a nostalgic glow to adults who will find their memories so brilliantly reimagined.
Chris said: “Illustrating Grahame’s masterpiece has been a labour of love over the past 10 years.
“I could continue painting Ratty
and Mole on the river, Badger in his Wild Wood and Toad’s misadventures for years to come.
“However, there comes a time to stop, collect all the artwork together and publish.”
Chris will have copies of the book, priced at £35, original water colours starting at £395 and limited-edition prints starting at £90 from the Maven Gallery.