Newsletter May 2025

Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock

We had the best afternoon ever on Tuesday, when we celebrated the new publication of Mythago Wood, now illustrated by John Howe and published by The Folio Society. John was in London (unusually), and was delighted with the special edition. We all gathered at a very good pub with Sarah Biggs, Rob's partner, many of Rob's friends, and the publishers from Folio and others.

Many of us were as enchanted by Rob himself as we were by his work. His sudden death in 2009 was a dreadful shock but Mythago Wood (winner of the 1985 World Fantasy Award) and perhaps to be filmed soon, is very much still with us.

John Howe was the perfect artist to illustrate the book as he was very much an admirer of Rob's work and on the one occasion when they met, they talked way into the night. It was the perfect match.

This is a special edition of 500 copies, each signed by John Howe. It went on sale at 4.00 on Tuesday and copies are selling fast. More information here.

The Imaginariad

We're also excited by the developments at The Imaginariad. This is to be a large museum dedicated to science fiction and fantasy in Singapore. There is already a huge collection of work, some of which you can now see on the website and on Instagram, while we wait for the organisers to finalise a site and start putting the work on show physically.

They have very grand plans. There will be books alongside the cover paintings, many comics, models and dioramas as well as extra space for travelling exhibitions. We'll keep you up to date with developments as they come, so watch out for some special work by John Harris, amongst many more.

Towers and Tales – what a chance!

There are castles - and then there is Lismore. There are book festivals - and then there is 'Towers and Tales'. This glorious event, unlike any other, is a combination made in heaven (or more accurately on the west coast of Ireland) and after twelve years of hosting the most original artists and writers, they're looking for an inspired sponsor for the festival as it's time for them to recruit a full-time production manager. Perhaps you could help?

This is a hugely exciting chance for someone who'd enjoy the involvement in such a 'different' and highly-successful venture. The castle itself dates back to 1170 and was, at one point, the retreat of Adele Astaire (sister of Fred), the daughter-in-law of the 9th Duke of Devonshire. Still owned by the Devonshire family, the castle is for hire, and this is how 'Towers and Tales' has found such a fabulous venue.

Are you a publisher who could see the advantage of supporting such a key book event? Or are you a collector who'd like to meet some of the most innovative writers and artists, see them perform and support them in this exotic location? Or perhaps you're an individual with a love of books who's looking for a new distraction?

If you're any of those, please do get in touch with my long-time friend, John Huddy, one of the founding members of the festival. John ran that much-loved hub for illustrators, the Illustration Cupboard, in London for many years, until he decided to become a roving curator and consultant gallerist.
john@ileopardcreative.com

Frankenstein and Dracula

John Huddy also runs an online gallery and arranges exhibitions elsewhere. His upcoming show is the work of Angela Barrett, showing her illustrations for Frankenstein and Dracula as commissioned by The Folio Society. All the illustrations will be shown alongside their preliminary drawings and it promises to be a spectacular show.

It runs from 10th to 21st June at the Emanuel Von Baeyer gallery, 8 Cecil Court, London WC2N 4HE, 12-6 pm daily but not Sundays. If you aren't in London but you'd like to know more, do contact John Huddy at gallery@artofthebook.co.uk

Both books are available from The Folio Society.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

So let�s see some more castles

Who better than Ian Miller, with his images based on Gormenghast? The image of the sisters climbing out of the window to stand on the tree that's grown through the castle wall is a favourite.