Guy Lochhead, 02/09/10
Browne grew up in his parent’s pub in Yorkshire. As a boy, he enjoyed art and played sports. He studied graphic design at Leeds College of Art. He intended to become a painter, but took a job as a medical illustrator for the Manchester Royal Infirmary. He grew tired of the job’s repetitiveness and moved to designing greeting cards for Gordon Fraser. He worked there for fifteen years before starting writing books, debuting with ‘Through The Magic Mirror’, in 1976. His books are characterised by their frequent featuring of gorillas. Browne is fascinated with the animals. His drawing style is highly detailed, colourful and sometimes surreal. He was made Children’s Laureate for 2009 to 2011. Browne’s books are beautiful, and I might include them individually, but I don’t feel like I want to include him.