Illustrators We Love: Paul Thurlby

INTERVIEWED BY Lindi Brownell Meiring IMAGES paulthurlby.com

Award-winning London-based illustrator Paul Thurlby is known for his colourful works, reminiscent of vintage poster designs. We decided to catch up with this talented artist to find out more about his work, his Alphabet books and what we can expect to see next.

Describe your style in three words.

Bold, colourful and playful.

What is it about vintage posters that inspires your work?

One of the most appealing things about vintage posters is that the artists were largely valued and not treated purely as a commodity. I also like them because they are designed to grab the attention of busy passers by. So, they need to be bold and eye-catching: to be effective viewed from afar, as well as on closer inspection. I recently experienced a room full of Leonetto Cappiello posters from the Belle Epoque era at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. It felt like being transported back in time to that magical era!

Which of your designs did you most enjoy creating, and why?

I think the most enjoyable thing I’ve worked on would have to be my alphabet series. It was a personal project in which I was both creator and art director. I had a lot of fun coming up with ideas and solving problems. It was also very rewarding to see people’s responses as I posted each one online as I went along.

What do you most enjoy about compiling books? We love L Is For London! Are you planning to do any more for other cities?

The most enjoyable parts of making a book are the early stages, when everything is fresh and exciting, and the very end when I get the book in my hands. Towards the end is the hardest part and I am usually very tired and just relieved when it’s over. I usually vow not to make another one again at that point! But, yes, I am working on more books as we speak.

Which projects are you working on at the moment?

I’ve recently completed NY is for New York, which is due out in October in the UK. Now, I am working on P is for Paris and, also a series of books for the National Gallery here in London. I have friends in Paris and know it quite well, so that’s something of an advantage when starting such a book. And, of course, I have visited the National Gallery a lot and already know some interesting stories about the paintings.

Where can our readers buy your work?

You can buy my books in the UK and France. Otherwise, you will find them online. A selection of prints are available through my website paulthurlby.com, as well as through sergeantpaper.com in Paris. If you are in London, you may also find some in We Built This City on Carnaby Street.

Browse the gallery above to view a selection of Paul’s colourful work.