Comments on: Joe McLaren, Illustrator

By: Temple Cloud

Temple Cloud — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:41:49 +0000

I recently discovered Joe McLaren when I borrowed some hardback editions Terry Pratchett novels from my brother-in-law to share with my husband, who hadn’t read them. I love McLaren’s clever, evocative cover designs (for example, the illustration for Moving Pictures, a novel in which the invention of cinema in a fantasy world provides a portal for eldritch abominations to enter, showed a warrior looking like an Oscar statuette standing on the top of a hill, with reeling strands of cinema film on one side and writhing Cthulu-like tentacles on the other) and wish the books had had covers like this in my childhood, instead of Josh Kirby’s garish, ugly paintings.

By: Cherub

Cherub — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:31:54 +0000

These illustrations are magnificent. I can see the Edward Bawden influence.

By: Colin Cohen

Colin Cohen — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 12:04:59 +0000

So strange to see. My first job was at The Curwen Press in the ’60s-’70s and this is the sort of material I was handling almost everyday as we had a huge stock of engravings by Ravilious and contemporaries

By: Peter

Peter — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 08:09:27 +0000

Dear Gentle Author, did you get a shot from the top of the castle at all?

By: Carolyn Hooper

Carolyn Hooper — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 07:13:09 +0000

Just delightful!

Thank-you, gentle author, for this fantastic post with Joe’s amazing work. What a career!

I was utterly surprised to see Dicken’s working cottage. It just doesn’t seem to match what I think of Mr Dickens. For me, it’s a gingerbread house or a weather cottage that the little woman and man pop out of, depending on the weather. I’m sure they have a name…….

Carolyn – Queensland Australia

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 14:24:07 +0000

In America, we have needlessly wrestled with the perceived distinction between “artist” and “illustrator” for ages; as if there was a pecking order or hierarchy involved. Lordy!? Remarkable artists such as Maxfield Parrish, N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle and others were given that “tut, tut” wave of the hand, as if their work was “less than”. Absurd. Luckily, we finally came to our senses; and a whole NEW Golden Age of Illustration emerged here; before the digital take-over.
The storied traditions of your amazing illustrators have been a consistent inspiration — and thanks to Spitalfields Life, we continue to learn about more and more and more. Thanks for showing us so many examples of Joe McLaren’s work — it was impossible to have a favorite. (although the swirling waves of “Silver” and the wind-tossed landscape of “Great Expectations” caused a first/second/third look.) Wonderful! Wishing him continued success.

By: Helen Breen

Helen Breen — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 13:59:55 +0000

Greetings from Boston,

GA, great piece about Joe McLaren and his work. So glad he accepted his role as an “illustrator” without the pretensions of high art. These book covers are so dramatic.

Favorites: John Betjeman’s poems, especially the train; Great Expectations – really evokes the mood of the novel’s Kent landscape; and Potty about Clarrisa Dickson Wright because I loved “Two Fat Ladies.”

It’s easy to see why Joe’s publishers value his work so much.

By: Linda Granfield

Linda Granfield — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 13:20:18 +0000

I like your new logo.
Years ago I selected “Silver” for purchase primarily because the cover art lured me to the book table.
Wouldn’t art by Mr. McLaren be wonderful illustrations for your annual Christmas story?! (wink)

By: Karin Barth

Karin Barth — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 10:44:54 +0000

Thank you so much, Gentle Author, for introducing Joe McLaren to your audience! Most of us will be familiar with his magnificent work (and wonderful Owl Bookshop in Kentish Town!), but not with the brilliant artist behind these beauties!

Although I’ve had this edition of John Berger’s Looking at Animals for years, I was not aware of the creator of its beautiful cover and his rich oeuvre. After reading your illuminating story I’ve ordered another book with one of Joe’s adorable covers right away — to join my collection of books on and by Edward Bawden!

I’m also grateful for the short excursion to Rochester where I haven’t been before, but it’s on top of my list now for my next trip to England!

With warmest regards from Berlin, on the shaken continent
Karin

By: Achim

Achim — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 09:16:20 +0000

I always admire people who have found their passion in their profession: Illustrating book titles is an exciting and wonderful task. I myself have not yet managed it…

Working with scraperboard has of course resulted in quite unique motifs. Very beautiful!

The works remind me very much of the work of a well-known graphic artist, CELESTINO PIATTI, who would have turned 100 this year and whose work I have admired all my life:

https://www.dtv.de/100jahrepiatti

Love & Peace
ACHIM