Own an original Chris Riddell illustration

Observer cartoonist and former Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell kindly donated 18 drawings to Jersey Festival of Words after his event at this year’s Festival, and the drawings are now being auctioned to raise money for charities helping improve literacy in Jersey.

The drawings were done during Chris Riddell's event with wild taleteller The Story Beast (John Henry Falle) when they teamed up for a live-illustrated dive into Norman history.

Marking 1000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror, the show followed 12th-century Jersey monk Master Wace, who began his 16,000-line Roman de Rou before his patrons, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, abruptly withdrew support. Racing to finish before the money runs out, Wace’s epic was reimagined in a lively new adaptation, with Riddell bringing Vikings, battles, 1066 — and even a zombie-fighting ancestor — vividly to life in ink.

Now you can own one of these one-off illustrations while supporting a cause that puts books into the hands of more children.

See the illustrations on display at Jersey Library from 2–28 November

The original artwork is on display on the second floor of Jersey Library. Visitors are invited to head upstairs, explore the collection and see the illustrations up close.

Can't make it to the Library? You can also browse all the drawings online here before deciding which one you'd like to bid on.

How to bid

Bidding is simple:

• Explore the collection. Visit the exhibition at Jersey Library or view all the illustrations online.
• Choose your favourite here.
• Place your bid online. Submit your offer here or alternatively you can email [email protected] stating which illustration you'd like to bid on and how much. The minimum bid is £10 per illustration.
• Win a unique piece of artwork. The highest bidder for each illustration will win it. We will contact the highest bidders when the auction closes.

 

Helping more children discover books

For many children, owning a book of their own isn't something they can take for granted. Every penny raised through this auction will go towards getting books to children in Jersey whose families can't afford them.

By bidding on an original Chris Riddell illustration, you'll take home a special piece of artwork while helping another child discover new stories and develop a love of reading.

Thank you so much to Chris Riddell for his generous donation and to everyone who takes part in the auction.