A Great Illustrator Comes to Carlisle - A Must See!

Mervyn Peake (1911-1968) is perhaps now better known as the author of the Gormenghast Trilogy, a superb work of Gothic fantasy. In celebration of Peake's centenary, the books are currently being broadcast on Sundays as the Classic Serial on Radio 4.
They were also memorably adapted for BBC TV in 2000 and are archived for your delectation on YouTube:



When not writing, Peake spent his working life as an illustrator becoming arguably the greatest pen & ink artist of his generation. The titles he illustrated include many of the classics including: Treasure Island; The Rime of the Ancient Mariner; Alice in Wonderland and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

As part of the centenary celebrations, Tullie House (Carlisle's museum and art gallery) is hosting the exhibition Lines of Flight Mervyn Peake, the Illustrated Work.

The exhibition features 182 original works and has free entry.

It runs from 23rd July - 18th September. It's certainly a must for all illustration students and well worth returning to Uni early to catch before it ends.

Be sure to take your sketchbooks with you!


Steerpike (from the Gormenghast Trilogy)


Long John Silver (have a good hard look at that cross hatching!)


Mervyn Peake