William M. Timlin
William Mitcheson Timlin (11 April 1892 – 7 June 1943)[1] was an architect and illustrator.
Early life
He was born in
Architecture
Timlin designed a number of important buildings in Kimberley including Kimberley Boys' High School while pursuing his interest in art, turning out a large number of watercolour fantasies in addition to oils, pastels, etchings and periodical illustrations. His work was regularly exhibited. He also wrote stories and composed music.
Writing and Art
Timlin worked on
Timlin sent the book to publishers George Harrap, who were delighted with the illustrations and the calligraphic text, deciding to print it without typesetting. The book has since become a fantasy classic.[3] Alan Horne in The Dictionary of 20th Century British Book Illustrators describes the book as a masterpiece and "the most original and beautiful children's book of the 1920s".
The story revolves an Old Man and fairy companions who build a fantastical sailing ship to journey to Mars. Along the way, they encounter strange worlds, dangerous obstacles, and fantastical creatures.
The film rights to the book were purchased in the United States, where Timlin enjoyed great popularity. The book also serves as inspiration for the characters in 398.2, a modern fairytale about a librarian and patron.
Timlin illustrated many South African travel books and prepared illustrations for a book titled The Building of a Fairy City which was never published.
Death
Timlin died in Kimberley, Northern Cape in 1943.
References
- ISBN 9781606600177. Retrieved 12 August 2014.
- ^ Dalby, Richard (1991), The Golden Age of Children's Book Illustration, Gallery Books, pp. 102–3
- ^ ILAB.
External links
- Online version of The Ship that Sailed to Mars at the Wayback Machine (archived 27 October 2009)
- Illustration from The Building of the Fairy City
- William M. Timlin at Library of Congress, with 6 library catalogue records