Linda McClelland: James Mayhew and The Joy of Picture Books

On Thursday 12th May at 11am we're broadcasting Authors Live with James Mayhew. We're getting very excited about the event and so is Linda McClelland who works in the education department at Scottish National Galleries. We asked her to tell us why she loves picture books and James' work in particular.

When I was young I can remember saying to my mother ‘I don’t think I will ever read a book that has no pictures!’ I loved being read to as a child and the saddest thing about having your children grow up is that you can no longer share a read and a cuddle with them at bed time.

I first met James Mayhew at the Edinburgh International Book Festival about three years ago. We discovered that we both love Moomins and Clangers and after that became firm friends.

James came to the National Gallery of Scotland where he did storytelling sessions in front of some very famous paintings, whilst drawing upside down. I think the adults were even more impressed than the children. There were also two rather wild afternoon sessions spent making huge storm paintings inspired by the artist Turner. Loads of people of all ages took part and it was great fun.

My favourite exhibition at the gallery last Easter was one showing the work of both James and another writer/illustrator, Catherine Rayner. They had each designed absolutely fantastic gallery trails for children to help them explore the paintings in an enjoyable way – really looking! Next time you are in, pick one up for free and borrow a pencil case full of colours from the information desk. James will be in the gallery on 18^th August so you can come along and meet him in person.

This summer I am very excited about hosting an exhibition showcasing work by the ten winners of The Best New Illustrators  2011 running between August  and November. I am hoping that some of the winners might come along to share their working methods – where their ideas come from and how they make their drawings.

Although I am all grown up now, my children often buy me children’s books as presents and all the books they had as children are on my bookshelf. Amongst my favourites are Lizzy’s Lion by Dennis Lee illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay – this is great for reading aloud but not for the squeamish! - and  The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain. I am a huge fan of Maurice Sendak, especially Outside Over There and anything by the Ahlbergs and Anthony Browne.

It is very exciting to work at the National Gallery of Scotland amongst all the paintings by great artists and to be able to indulge my passion for children’s books by organising exhibitions, visits or workshops led by such well known and talented writers/illustrators.

It must run in the family because my husband John wrote a book for young children called The Bravest of Bears when our own children were little. My daughter Holly teaches P1 class at Ben Jonson School, London and there is nothing she likes better than reading picture books with them. And guess what I have bought her for her birthday...

Find our more about James Mayhew and his work on his website.

Register to watch Authors Live with James Mayhew on 12th May.

You can also enter our Facebook competition to be in with winning a Winsor and Newton art set and box easel. Just visit www.facebook.com/meetourauthors

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ShelterBox have launched an art competition for primary school pupils. Find out more on their website.  

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