John Burningham |

John Burningham attended the alternative education establishment, Summerhill in Suffolk, where lessons are not compulsory. At 17, he became a conscientious objector, and avoided military service by joining the Friends Ambulance Unit. After this he did forestry work, farming, slum clearance, school building in Southern Italy and demolition work in Israel.
He went to the Central School of Art in London in 1956, graduating in 1959 with a National Diploma in Design, as well as the School’s own Diploma. Unsure of his future, he returned to Israel where he worked on models and puppets for a film company until his return to England in the autumn of 1960 when his life as an illustartor began. He created posters for London Transport, drew cartoons for magazines and made Christmas card designs until the publication of his first book in 1963.

What appeals to me the most in Burninghams work is that it doesn’t become bogged down with technique or try too hard to seek individuality. Instead, it appears to me that his work flows naturally and reflects arguably old-fashioned values, his melancholic personality and a healthy respect for tradition without succumbing to the drive for forced and contrived style. Because of this his work is steadfast, respected and blends perfectly with the books and text they accompany.

Burningham….. “Drawing is like playing the piano”"My audience is not just children but people. I’m working towards simplification but away from childish things”. “When I draw I’m conscious of looking for a lively line – though what defines a lively line is difficult to say- but a bald outline would not be very interesting, obviously. A dipping pen is good – the weight of the line alters the pressure you put on, so you get a bit of variety”.

His books include:CloudlandCome Away from the Water, ShirleySeasonsOi! Get Off Our TrainJohn Patrick Norman McHennessy: The Boy Who Was Always LateHarvey Slumfenburger’s Christmas PresentGranpaBorka: The Adventures of a Goose with No FeathersHusherbye1963 Kate Greenaway Medal Borka: The Adventures of a Goose With No Feathers1970 Kate Greenaway Medal Mr Gumpy’s Outing1984 Kurt Maschler Award Granpa2000 Nestlé Smarties Book Prize (Bronze Award) (0-5 years category) Husherbye