Hogs Back Books Joins Watts Gallery for Big Draw and Book Launch

Published on: 8 Oct, 2015
Updated on: 8 Oct, 2015

The Granimal – a new children’s book being launched by local publishers Hogs Back Books.

Guildford-based children’s book publisher Hogs Back Books and Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village have teamed up to hold a ‘Big Draw’ event as part of the Guildford Book Festival.

The event is being held from 11 to 5pm on Saturday October 17 across the Artists’ Village. It comprises the launch of Hogs Back Books’ latest title The Granimal, followed by storytelling sessions with the author, Christian Alexander.

There will also be a workshop for children to draw and create their own story-book characters run by the illustrator of The Granimal, Tanya Fenton, a former Disney animator.

In addition to the book launch events and illustrator workshop, which are free and open to everyone, there will be further activities that are free with gallery admission for families to enjoy all day, including drawing lessons with G F Watts and drop-in pottery sessions.

Watt’s Gallery

Commenting on the event, Karen Stevens, director of Hogs Back Books, said, “We are very pleased to be working alongside the Watts team as part of the ‘Big Draw’. It’s great to forge links with other local companies, and to be able to share with them our excitement over this new book.

“We hope that it will be the first of many partnerships with our local gallery. As a children’s book publisher, we work with many talented illustrators and it would be fantastic to have the opportunity to showcase their work there.”

Lucy Shipp, Learning Officer at Watts Gallery, adds: “Working to combine the ‘Big Draw’ and Guildford Book Festival seemed like an ideal opportunity, especially with the ‘Big Draw’ this year being themed around the idea of ‘Every Drawing Tells a Story’.

“Watts Gallery is delighted to be partnering with Hogs Back Books to deliver this event, and to share the Watts’ idea of ‘Art for All’ by creating links with both individuals and organisations.”