UCLan Illustration students highly commended in national children’s book competition

23 May 2017

Three students recognised in prestigious Macmillan Prize for Illustration 2017 event

Three illustration students from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have been applauded in a national competition designed to shine the spotlight on upcoming new talent in the industry.

MA Children’s Book Illustration students Sophie Corrigan and Lauren Fitton, and second year BA (Hons) Illustration student Heather Hattrick-Liggett, won highly commended in The Macmillan Prize for Illustration 2017 competition.  The coveted prize is open to all students in higher education establishments in the UK.

Heather’s book ‘Anxiety’ is designed to help people of all ages to cope with anxious thoughts. Heather said she is delighted to have been noticed for her hard work.  “It's amazing to have my work recognised by someone like Macmillan” she said. “The tutors at UCLan have helped guide me in making something out of my ideas and pushed me to bring out the best in my ability. I'm really thankful to them for providing such great insightful advice.”

"The course has encouraged me to develop a lot over the three years and has educated me on the various styles and forms which children's book illustration can take."

Sophie’s book ‘I’m a Little Monkey’ looks at the similarities between animal and children’s behaviour, whilst Lauren’s story is based on the story of Victor, the UK’s only polar bear in captivity.

Lauren said she is incredibly proud to have been highly commended for her entry, 'Going Home'. “I owe a lot of my success with the book to the course, in particular to my tutor Steve Wilkin, as the course has encouraged me to develop a lot over the three years and has educated me on the various styles and forms which children's book illustration can take.

“Being able to also share and discuss my work with other likeminded students on the children's book MA has been eye opening and has helped to inform my practice.”

The Macmillan Prize, currently in its 32nd year, was established by Pan Macmillan Children’s Books to stimulate new work from young illustrators in art schools, and to help them take the first steps in their professional lives. There were 250 entries last year with only 20 winners and commended illustrators shortlisted.

The winners and highly commended work will be exhibited at The Coningsby Gallery, Goodge Street, London on Tuesday 30 May until Friday 2 June.

Sophie's 'I'm a Little Monkey' illustration
Sophie's 'I'm a Little Monkey' illustration