Illustrator’s pirate book is shortlisted for coveted prize

“I was probably most influenced by the likes of Ronald Searle and Ralph Steadman as I developed my style,” says Bradford-based illustrator Chris Mould who has been shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal.

Established in 1955, the prize is awarded for distinguished illustration in a book for children. The work that Mould has been nominated for is the book Pirates ‘n’ Pistols, which he also wrote. It is a collection of 10 short stories – five abridged versions of well-known classics, including pieces by Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson, and five original stories. “I came to writing later in my career,” says Mould. “It came out of the creative process. The pirate theme is very much a visual thing – it’s a gift to an illustrator. The appeal for me was visual but also it’s about stories I read when I was young – like Treasure Island which remains one of my favourite texts. There are great moments in those stories and it’s great to be passing them on to a younger audience.”

Mould trained in illustration at Leeds Met University; he graduated in 1991 and for the past five years has had a studio at Dean Clough in Halifax. His approach to illustration is to develop ideas with pictures and words in his sketch book – he says even the sound of certain words can spark off ideas. “My influences mostly stem from the pen and ink tradition. As a student I looked at all the 17th and 18th-century satirists and cartoonists and I liked what they’d done. I followed the progress of that tradition and I’ve always loved black and white as a discipline, as well as colour.”

Mould has also worked in TV and film and has particularly good contacts with Aardman through a close friend from his student days, Steve Hill, who is one of the animation directors with the Bristol-based company. “I did some character development for Flushed Away and various other projects,” he says.

“Things are a bit different now if you are an illustrator because book projects are much more wide open. At the moment I am doing some electronic images for the iPad. There are all sorts of different platforms and opportunities.”

The children’s book industry is still Mould’s main focus but he understands the value of being open to a wide range of different media to inspire his own work. “There are many contemporary illustrators whose work I love,” he says. “But I think a diversity of influence and inspiration is important. So while I might pore over the latest book from one of my favourite illustrators, I’ll also be looking at portrait painting and sculpture.” Being shortlisted for the Greenaway medal represents a level of recognition that is very gratifying, whether he wins or not. “To get onto the shortlist is fantastic,” he says. “It’s a major award for people who do what I do and you are in very good company – it’s just nice to be part of it really.”

The Kate Greenaway Medal winner is announced on June 19. Chris Mould’s work is on show at the Dean Clough Exhibition until June 16.

Prize for outstanding illustration in children’s books

The Kate Greenaway Medal is named after the popular 19th-century artist known for her fine children’s illustrations and designs. It is awarded annually for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people. The winner receives a golden medal and £500 worth of books to donate to a library of their choice. Since 2000, the winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal has also been awarded the £5,000 Colin Mears Award. Colin Mears, an accountant and children’s book collector, left a bequest providing the winner with a cash award as well as the coveted prize.