Brian Wildsmith Tribute

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by Caryn

A few days ago I heard the sad news that picture book creator Brian Wildsmith had passed away. He is one of my many favorite illustrators, whose work I am continually amazed and inspired by. He lived a long, full life (great interview on Independent) and made some of the most colorful picture books I have ever seen. Since I have yet to post about any of his works, I think it is fitting today to share a few of my favorite illustrations from him. I have been slowly collecting his books as I discover them and find favorites. This will be the most images I have ever overloaded you with (click on any of the photos to see them larger); but I hope you are moved and enjoy the vibrant, awe-inspiring work of Brian Wildsmith.

from Bear’s Adventure by Brian Wildsmith, 1981

from Bear's Adventure by Brian Wildsmith, 1981
from Bear's Adventure by Brian Wildsmith, 1981
from Bear's Adventure by Brian Wildsmith, 1981
from Bear's Adventure by Brian Wildsmith, 1981

from Professor Noah’s Spaceship by Brian Wildsmith, 1980

from Professor Noah's Spaceship by Brian Wildsmith, 1980
from Professor Noah's Spaceship by Brian Wildsmith, 1980
from Professor Noah's Spaceship by Brian Wildsmith, 1980

from The Hare and the Tortoise based on a fable by La Fontaine, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966

from The Hare and the Tortoise based on a fable by La Fontaine, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966
from The Hare and the Tortoise based on a fable by La Fontaine, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966
from The Hare and the Tortoise based on a fable by La Fontaine, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966

from Brian Wildsmith’s Illustrated Bible Stories, as told by Philip Turner, 1968

from Brian Wildsmith's Illustrated Bible Stories, as told by Philip Turner, 1968
from Brian Wildsmith's Illustrated Bible Stories, as told by Philip Turner, 1968
from Brian Wildsmith's Illustrated Bible Stories, as told by Philip Turner, 1968
from Brian Wildsmith's Illustrated Bible Stories, as told by Philip Turner, 1968
from Brian Wildsmith's Illustrated Bible Stories, as told by Philip Turner, 1968

from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966

from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966
from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966
from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966
from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966
from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966
from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966

And lastly, I think this final poem and illustration from A Child’s Garden of Verses is very fitting for a farewell to such a great illustrator. (Click on the image to read the full poem.) May he linger in every book he gave us. Thanks for the beauty, Brian Wildsmith.

from A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Brian Wildsmith, 1966

4 thoughts on “Brian Wildsmith Tribute”

  2. Thanks for a great blog post!
    “A Child’s Garden of Verses” has been ordered, the illustrations by Wildsmith look fantastic, again thanks for all the pictures.
    I also ordered a copy of the book illustrated by Tasha Tudor, her illustations are very different, and will make an interesting contrast to Wildsmith’s illustrations, I think. I enjoy seeing the same texts illustrated by different artists…

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  3. Dear Caryn,
    Just stumbled across your site and wanted to thank you for showing and reviewing my father’s glorious work. Yes, I am Clare, one of his daughters, currently building with my sister and brother, the official Brian Wildsmith website which is due to be launched quite soon.
    If you wish to be informed of the launching, just submit a request via the home page you can already visit.
    My best regards and once again thanks for sharing beauty with the world.

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    1. Hello Clare! What a treat to have you visit my blog! Apologies on the much delayed response. I’ve been less than faithful to keeping this up this fall and I somehow missed your note until this week. Thanks for saying hello! I cannot wait to see the official website! I’m not able to find the home page, so I’m not sure if it has launched yet. Best of luck to you and thanks for sharing your father’s work with the world!

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