I’m on the most wonderful adventure with publisher Joe Pearson and his assistant Laurence at Design for Today, and Simon Armitage’s glittering reinvention of a fairytale favourite has given us the most thrilling material to work with.
Simon’s Hansel & Gretel: a nightmare in eight scenes, formed the text to Matthew Kaner’s music in a production featuring the Goldfield Ensemble, plus actor, puppets and shadow-play, that I directed this year. (A recording of a performance of it given at Barbican is being broadcast by BBC Radio 3 on December 22nd.) In Spring 2019 the text is being published in a beautiful Design for Today edition, masterminded by Joe.
We’re currently tweaking the colours, a muted and atmospheric palette of dusty pinks, blues and yellows that I’ve nicknamed my ‘old bus-ticket’ range. (I think Farrow & Ball should take note!) This is the first ‘colour illustrated’ book I’ve produced for a contemporary text, and the process – thanks to Joe’s meticulous care for the book and our joint ambition to make it truly splendid – is the most fun I’ve ever had on an illustration project. What a great experience our work together over the past few months has been! My thanks to Simon, who came up with the idea of the illustrated edition and asked my help to make it happen, and of course to Joe, who unhesitatingly took up the challenge.
…
The palette for Hansel & Gretel: a nightmare in eight scenes, draws on the faded colours of old bus tickets.
Clive Hicks-Jenkins' Artlog: 
It’s so lovely to hear your delight bubbling through your descriptions, carry on having fun, tra la!
Love
B xxx
I am loving the collaboration with my publisher. He is being so meticulous in bringing this one into the light.
So looking forward to this! Xx
Ha ha. Me too, Lorrie. But we must wait until Spring.
I do hope we in Spain shall be able to listen to the BBC broadcast on the 22nd. Even so, I shall wait with trepidation for the DVD, and for the book.
Love from Madrid
M
I hope you will be able to hear it, Maria. As for the rest, we must see what 2019 brings. Sending love to you both from Wales. XXX