Remembering Raymond Briggs

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of writer, illustrator and SoA Council member, Raymond Briggs, who died this week at the age of 88.

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Raymond Briggs has been a member of the SoA since 1968, for over 50 years, and was a longstanding member of our Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group. He was appointed to the SoA Council in November 2020.

Best remembered for his magical story The Snowman, which was subsequently adapted into a renowned animated film, his register of love and loss also suited him to more mature works for adults, such as his devastating apocalypse story When the Wind Blows, which was also adapted for the screen. 

CWIG committee chair, Dawn Finch, said of Raymond Briggs:

"Raymond Briggs was an extraordinary writer and illustrator. His books expressed and dealt with the biggest issues with subtlety, strength, depth and humour. His legacy is a collection of works that are justifiably considered some of the most powerful and well loved books on shelves and they are works that we discover in childhood and yet will return to many times across our entire lives. He set the bar very high and he will be greatly missed."

CWIG committee member Steve Antony said of Raymond Briggs:

"With warmth and wit Briggs pushed boundaries within the world of picture books. He was a true master of visual storytelling, and his powerful stories inspired me to become a children's author and illustrator. Raymond Briggs' legacy will live on for generations to come."