The Book Illustration Competition. We've got a winner!!!

The Folio Society's annual Book Illustration Awards took place last week in that there London and we're delighted to report that Grillust's own Catt Fearnley (Yr3, 21), was long-listed and subsequently shortlisted at the awards ceremony held in The House of Illustration, where she was given her award by judge and author of the competition's subject - War Horse, Michael Morpurgo.

As part of her prize, Catt now has to wear this huge arrow attached to her right hip for 12 months. It's the law.

If you're 1 of the 9 people on earth who isn't familiar with Morpurgo's seminal novel, War Horse, here's the synopsis:
In the deadly chaos of the First World War, one horse witnesses the reality of battle from both sides of the trenches. Bombarded by artillery, with bullets knocking riders from his back, Joey tells a powerful story of the truest friendships surviving in terrible times. One horse has the seen the best and the worst of humanity. The power of war and the beauty of peace. This is his story.

Catt used a combination of gestural mark making and digital collage to create her work which speaks of the bonds formed between characters in the book - both human and equine. Morpurgo congratulated Catt on creating something akin to tapestry, and we think that's a very good way of describing the work.

Catt was one of three students to be among the 6 finalists (including the competition winner Alan Marks) and, as her goal is to work in book illustration, we'd say this is a great start to achieving that.

Michael Morpurgo takes a moment to congratulate Catt on her work whilst discreetly clutching a day's worth of royalty cheques to his bosom.

Where as Catt opts for a flamboyant brandish of her prize cheque.

And how do you celebrate such a great result?
You go for a drink in a Scottish theme bar whilst wearing a pair of man's washed out sports socks under your high heels - or at least that's what Catt wanted to do. For Grillust purists, the red Doc Martin's belong to Matt Swales, ex of Grillust (33).

A HUGE congratulations to Catt, from all at Grillust towers. A well deserved result!

At the time of posting, Catt's website was down for maintenance by Future Dave™.