Internationally-acclaimed illustrator recognised at hometown Whitchurch Library event
The life and works of an internationally-renowned illustrator are being celebrated in his hometown of Whitchurch this month, and the town’s library is getting involved.
The Caldecott Arts Festival will celebrate the life of the inspiring 19th century artist Randolph Caldecott, who lived in Whitchurch in his young adult life before moving to America, where his talents as an illustrator became internationally acclaimed.
He became a famous illustrator of children’s books and amusing travel books, and his work has since been featured at the National Gallery, the British Museum, the Royal Academy and the V&A.
Whitchurch Library, operated by Shropshire Council, will be hosting events during the festival on Saturday 19 March 2022, including a presentation by one of the world’s leading experts on children’s books and their illustrators, Leonard S Marcus.
Leonard is the author of “Randolph Caldecott: The Man Who Could Not Stop Drawing” and his presentation will be livestreamed to the library in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.
Organisers of the Caldecott Arts Festival have also paid for the refurbishment of the casing of Whitchurch Library’s clock, which bears ‘graffiti’ by Caldecott.
Whitchurch Library clock, featuring Caldecott’s markings
The clock, made by George Bradshaw of Whitchurch in 1840, belonged to the Whitchurch and Ellesmere Bank where Caldecott worked. It was tradition for staff to draw on the inside of the clock case.
The clock was donated to the library in 1971 and is on display featuring Caldecott’s markings.
Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, and transport, said:-
“Not only will this festival celebrate the work of a world-renowned illustrator who has ties with Whitchurch, it will highlight the culture and heritage of the historic town itself.
“Livestreaming the talk from the library in Whitchurch to Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, will also put our fantastic library services in the spotlight.”
Whitchurch Library clock
Peggy Mullock, a local Shropshire Councillor for Whitchurch North, added:-
“We are delighted to host events withing the festival celebrating Randolph Caldecott and to be showcasing our town library.”
Funding from the festival will also be used to provide new mobile bookshelves for the library, allowing more flexible use of space at the venue.
To book a place at the talk at Whitchurch Library at 2pm on Saturday 19 March email: whitchurch.library@shropshire.gov.uk or call 01948 662238.
To find out more about the Caldecott Arts Festival on Saturday 19 March click here.
