Notes from the Drawing Board: On a Quest with White Wizard (Neil) Gaiman

Published on: 01 June 2014 Author: Chris Riddell

The incomparable illustrator & author, former Children's Laureate and all round national treasure Chris Riddell, who's work includes the Ottaline and Goth Girl series of books, became our tenth Writer in Residence back in 2014. In this blog Chris told us about working with Neil Gaiman and his love for drawing fantasy characters. 

I'm on a quest with the White Wizard Gaiman the Wise for the next few months.

We're on a journey deep under the mountains and out beyond into a vast forest in search of an overgrown castle ringed by thorns

I've strapped on my metaphorical armour, pulled on my stout boots of toil and have armed myself with Indian ink and sable brush. The wizard has woven a spell with words...oh, and we're travelling with a Queen and three dwarfs.