Charity to benefit from sale of Gruffalo illustrator’s art

● Carol Kidd to sell artwork at Artlink Central auction

0 Axel Scheffler has donated a colourful illustration of the fish Tiddler from Julia Donaldson’s popular tale of the same name An original artwork by the illustrator of The Gruffalo books is to be auctioned to raise funds for an arts charity.

The illustration by Axel Scheffler will be sold in aid of arts programmes for Scottish children and adults with additional support needs.

Mr Scheffler, who has collaborated with Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson on many books, has donated a colourful illustration of the fish Tiddler from her popular tale of

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the same name. The unpublished piece will go under the hammer at Artlink Central’s 10th charity art auction on 22 April at Bridge of Allan Parish Church Halls near Stirling.

Mr Scheffler said: “Art is so important for everyone; I think it’s wonderful what Artlink Central do, especially for children.

“Julia has been a major supporter of the charity for many years now and I am always happy to help when I can.

“I really hope the auction piece will do well on the night. It’s an alternative version of an illustration for the book Tiddler, which features a little grey fish who loves to tell tall tales.

“Often I start a picture for a book but I don’t finish it, I don’t always know why.

“But if I like it, like this one, I will go back and finish it later. Sometimes the ones which don’t go into the books are even better.”

It is hoped the sale will raise vital funds to allow Artlink Central to continue running projects for people experiencing mental illness, learning difficulties or social exclusion in central Scotland.

Therapies range from an animation project at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, where young patients have been learning how to bring their own handdrawn characters to life, to a drama group for adults with learning disabilities.

Describing how he came up with what Tiddler looks like, Mr Scheffler said: “The main character Tiddler isn’t a specific type of fish; he’s just a little grey fish who came out of my imagination.

“Animals in picture books need to recognisable but I don’t pay too much attention to the zoological detail. It’s my job as an illustrator to depict them in my own style.”

To mark the auction’s 10th anniversary, the event will also feature a special performance by jazz singer Carol Kidd MBE.

The Glaswegian singer, who has turned to painting in recent years to combat depression, has also donated two lots to the auction: a self-portrait and an autographed copy of Carol Kidd Gold.