West Folio

I first came across Edward Gorey, without knowing, through ‘The Shrinking of Treehorn‘, written by Florence Parry Heide. The book was a popular feature of the reading programme in the primary school where I taught. I read it many times without taking note of the illustrator; I was obviously preoccupied with making sure the children…

Sir Osbert Lancaster was an English cartoonist, stage designer, and writer. His two great themes were social class and architecture. I don’t know where I first came across his illustrations, but when I saw a complete volume, I immediately recognised the style and started collecting. There’s comedy in the image, for sure, but there’s something…

I was introduced to the wonderful work of Edward Ardizzone through this book, gifted to me one Christmas when I was around 6 by my Great Aunt and Uncle, Barbara and Bruce. And what a civilised Christmas present – written by Graham Greene, no less! The illustrations are beautiful. The pen work is almost sketchy,…

A short of NYC highlights from our visit in the summer of 2023 set to music sent to me by my nephew, Hugo. Shot on iPhone, edited on iPad.

I am delighted to have started my PhD in Creative Writing at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. The school is housed at 50 George Square, a 1960s building designed by RMJM. Extensive remodelling and refurbishment of the building was completed in 2015. The interior is stunning, and the study area…

A long time ago, on a computer far, far away, I played around with a 3D imaging app called KPT Bryce. It was intuitive to use, and the results were great fun. I used it to create images for Jabberwocky by Lewis Carroll but only got as far as halfway through the fifth verse, leaving…

More sci-fi! Below are a few images by the inestimable John Harris. John Harris (born 29 July 1948) is a British artist and illustrator known for working in the science fiction genre. His paintings have been used on book covers for many authors, including Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov. I first encountered his works in a science fiction…

Michael Whelan (born 29 June 1950) is an American artist of imaginative realism. For more than 30 years, he worked as an illustrator, specialising in science fiction and fantasy cover art. The Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted Whelan in June 2009, the first living artist so honoured. According to his Hall of Fame citation Michael Whelan is one of the most important contemporary science fiction and…

I read this today in a print edition of Scottish Farmer and found it hilarious. It being April the 1st, and the article being published online at 7am, I do wonder if it’s genuine. Nevertheless, the piece is packed with gems from start to finish and could, knowing Scottish farmers, be genuine! I’ve copied out…

If you’re in the Edinburgh area, I heartily recommend a Meetup I’m involved with called ‘Think&Drink’. It tends to meet bi-weekly. The topics for discussion are always intriguing, the people are warm and welcoming, the chat is always busy, and the venue is great. To find out more, click here.