Q&A with Fiona Lumbers, illustrator of The Secret Sky Garden

October 7th 2019

Fiona Lumbers is an exciting new talent in picture books. Fiona moved to London in 2000 to study for an MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art. Nothing makes her happier than splashing watercolours and inks and conjuring up new characters – often influenced by the exploits of her two sons. Fiona is one of the 12 illustrators that has created artwork for the Love Your Library campaign.

Q: What was your experience of libraries growing up, and how did they help to inspire your eventual career choice?

A: I grew up in a small village and we would visit the library at least once a week. I'd spend hours pawing over the books, being transported to worlds I didn't know existed! I became fascinated with the art section and this was where my love of painting was borne. I went on to study a degree in Fine Art, followed by an MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art. I spent many years painting and teaching which eventually led to me writing and illustrating picture books.

Q: Why do you think the Love Your Library campaign is so important?

A: I think the Love Your Library campaign is so important because libraries are the heart of communities. They are for everyone and provide an opportunity to access a whole host of services in a warm, safe environment. The role of the librarian is also vital - their love and knowledge of books allows them to expertly guide the right books into the right hands and open up whole new worlds for the lucky recipients.

Q: How did you go about starting your Love Your Library illustration? What techniques did you use?

A: I spent time in my local library with my boys and observed the numerous ways children will read books. We're lucky enough to live in a wonderfully diverse area and I wanted my illustration to reflect this. I made quick sketches in the library, which I then drew up at home. I used watercolour, ink and pencil crayon to make it.

Q: Who or what have been the biggest influences on your work?

A: My influences are too numerous to mention, from painters to illustrators, photographers and film makers. One of my biggest influences has always been Henri Matisse - his use of colour and form and the immediacy of his line is something I've always tried to replicate in my own work.

Q: Are there any other illustrators whose work you particularly admire?

A: There are many illustrators whose work I admire, I think I'm lucky enough to be working in a golden age of picture book illustration. Some of my favourites are Beatrice Alemagne, Isabelle Arsenault, Ludwig Bemelmans, Oliver Jeffers and Tomi Ungerer.

Q: What’s your favourite illustrated children’s book?

A: My favourite illustrated picture book is Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans. My love of this book began when I borrowed it for the first time from the library when I was 6 years old. I borrowed it so many times, the library eventually replaced it and gave me my own copy. I have loved sharing this story with my own children too.

To get your copy of The Secret Sky Garden by Linda Sarah and Fiona Lumbers now, click here.