Dear Vincent A Times Book of the Year 2024

(Hardback)

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Description

A Times Book of the Year

'An absolute gem ... Beech's exquisite artwork is characterful and warm' Observer

An exploration of the art and life of Vincent Van Gogh through the touching letters he exchanged with his brother Theo.

Vincent is fed up with life in the grey city, but things are about to change! With the support of his loving brother Theo, Vincent sets off on a journey to the 'Sunny South'. There he will discover new and inspiring places and make new friends. But will he be able to paint the picture of his dreams

A heart-warming snapshot of a happy and creative period in Van Gogh's life, this story focuses on the bond between two brothers, and how Theo's support and encouragement helped Vincent to reach his full artistic potential.

Written by Michael Bird and illustrated by painter Ella Beech, this book will immerse young readers in Vincent's world and reveal his unique perspective as an artist.

Reviews

'This book is an absolute gem, with a great understanding of its audience ... Beechs exquisite artwork is characterful and warm, conjuring up the well-known visual elements of Van Goghs life, from his gingery beard to his blue bedroom, and of course those majestic sunflowers, while never falling into pastiche' - Observer
'I adored Dear Vincent, a dazzling biography of Vincent van Gogh by Michael Bird and illustrator Ella Beech playfully told through letters to the artists brother' - Imogen Carter, Observer Children's Books of the Year
'Youre never too early to start on art, so for the smallest art lover in your life, wrap up a copy of Dear Vincent, written by the art historian Michael Bird and joyfully illustrated by Ella Beech' - Laura Freeman, The Times

Author Bio

Michael Bird is a writer, broadcaster and curator. He is the author of the bestselling children's history of art Vincent's Starry Night and Other Stories and his books for adults include This is Tomorrow: Twentieth Century Britain and its Artists, Artists' Letters: Leonardo da Vinci to David Hockney, and 100 Ideas that Changed Art. Ella Beech is an artist and illustrator based in Cambridge, UK. She has a Masters in Children's Book Illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, was runner up in the Picture Hooks Competition 2021 and a finalist in the Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrator's Exhibition. Ella has worked as a designer and art director in children's publishing, and has a degree in Fine Art Painting from the Winchester School of Art.