Jill Barklem

Jill Barklem(bornGillian Gaze;23 May 1951 – 15 November 2017) was a British writer and illustrator ofchildren's books.Her most famous work is theBrambly Hedgeseries, published from 1980.

Early life

Jill Barklem was born asGillian GazeinEppingon 23 May 1951.She was the daughter of John and Ivy Gaze, who ran a family-owned department store in the town.Educated at Loughton High School, after an accident when she was thirteen resulting in a detached retina, she was unable to take part inPEor games at school and instead developed her talent for drawing and art. On leaving school, she studied illustration atSt Martin'sin London.

Illustrator

After graduating she became an illustrator for children's bibles and a series of collections of prayers and graces. Under her maiden name, she illustrated theHaffertee Hamsterbooks by Janet and John Perkins.

Her husband suggested that she turn her ideas conceived while commuting on the train journey to art school for a story about hedgerow life into a book. Barklem used this time to research English customs, flora, and other geographical and cultural details for herBrambly Hedgestories.

The first four books were published in 1980, each representing one of the four seasons.These four were originally released as individual volumes in a miniature format.She wrote four more for the series, the last being published in 1994.

Barklem's books became immensely popular, selling over seven million copies worldwide and printed in over 13 languages. The Brambly Hedge characters went on to feature in merchandise, such as cards,Royal Doultonchina,and a stop-motion animated series,The Enchanted World of Brambly Hedge(1996 to 2000).

Family life and death

Jill married David Barklem, an antiques dealer, in 1977. The couple went on to have a son and a daughter.

She died of pneumonia aged 66 on November 15, 2017.

Works

Brambly Hedge Series

• Spring Story(1980)
• Summer Story(1980)
• Autumn Story(1980)
• Winter Story(1980)
• The Secret Staircase(1983)
• The High Hills(1986)
• Sea Story(1990)
• Poppy's Babies(1994)

Collections

• The Four Seasons of Brambly Hedge(1988) contains the 4 seasonal titles and a 20-page "conversation" with the author about the origins and developments of the stories.
• Tales from Brambly Hedge(1997) contains the other 4 original titles:Staircase,Sea,HillsandBabies.
• Adventures of the Mice of Brambly Hedge(1998) is a joint publication version ofAutumn StoryandSea Story.
• The Mice of Brambly Hedge Celebrate(1998) is a joint publication version ofWinter StoryandSecret Staircase.
• Outings for the Mice of Brambly Hedge(1999) is a joint publication version ofSpring StoryandThe High Hills.
• Baby Mice in Brambly Hedge(1999) is a joint publication version ofSummer StoryandPoppy's Babies.
• A Visit to Brambly Hedge(2000) is a 20th anniversary special background information book.
• A Year In Brambly Hedge(2010) is a 30th anniversary special containing the 4 seasonal titles.

Brambly Hedge books by other authors

• Wilfred to the Rescue(2005)"In the spirit of Jill Barklem"Alan MacDonald (Author), Lizzie Sanders, botanical artist(Illustrator)
• Primrose In Charge(2006)"In the spirit of Jill Barklem"Alan MacDonald (Author), Lizzie Sanders, botanical artist(Illustrator)

Other

Activity and "Toy and Moveable" books, includePrimrose's Adventure (Brambly Hedge Sliding Pictures)andWilfred's Birthday Sliding Pictures;some board books, such asHouse for a Mouse,Nice for Mice,andThe Snow Ball;andPoppy and Dusty's Wedding.

References

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/nov/29/jill-barklem-obituary

External links

• The World of Brambly Hedgeofficial site
• Jill BarklematLibrary of Congress,with 16 library catalogue records
• Gillian Gazeat LC Authorities, with 3 records, andat WorldCat