Exclusive: Chris Riddell and Jim Kay reveal their beautiful Patronus on a Postcard artwork

Published on: 05 July 2019 Author: Catriona Wightman

The beautiful illustrations have been created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - and you can buy them in a special charity auction.

We are delighted to have an exclusive sneak peek at Jim Kay and Chris Riddell's gorgeous artwork for Patronus on a Postcard.

BookTrust has teamed up with Bloomsbury to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, asking over 20 top illustrators to draw their own Patronuses.

The beautiful postcards will be available to buy in a special charity auction, with all proceeds going to BookTrust.

The auction doesn't open until Monday, but we've now got a little teaser for you, kicking off with Jim Kay's gorgeous stag Patronus.

Jim Kay's Patronus on a Postcard

'Working on a postcard-sized illustration is a refreshing change for me,' Kay said. 'Usually I work A2 or bigger (my failing eyesight!)

'I painted the illustration under a magnifying lens, using pigments actually designed for model kits - they are lovely to use, being such fine paints with lovely opacity. The background is inspired by William Morris. I painted the reverse too; I sometimes hand-paint the stamps on letters to people.'

Meanwhile, BookTrust ambassador and former Waterstones Children's Laureate Chris Riddell has shared his Patronus - a Jack Russell.

Chris Riddell's Patronus on a Postcard

'My Patronus would be my little Jack Russell, Rosie, who is no longer with us,' he said. 'This little picture is a tribute to her.'

The list of illustrators taking part in Patronus on a Postcard includes stars such as Levi Pinfold, Nadia Shireen, Liz Pichon and Alex T Smith - you can see all the names involved here.

Their postcards are being kept tightly under wraps for the moment, but you'll be able to see them in person when they go on display at Waterstones Piccadilly in London for a week from Monday, 8 July.

Meanwhile, fans wishing to buy the postcards will be able to bid on them in an eBay for Charity auction, which will go live at 6pm BST on Monday, 8 July and close at 6pm on Thursday, 18 July.

Find out more about Patronus on a Postcard