I was asked by Wild Times magazine to illustrate the fascinating story of Emily Wilkinson, a young lady in the Victorian times who campaigned to stop wild birds being used to make fancy hats (gross!). I’ve used my colourful, collage style to bring the story to life for a young audience, with lots of textured papers and fabrics.

The main image shows Emily in a celebratory pose in one of her favourite wildfowl watching spots with many, many ducks, grebes, herons and more all around her. The double-page spread shows Emily going into town and being horrified by all the ladies wearing feathered hats and shops selling them. This leads her to start protests with other ladies. My illustration winds along the path through the town and leads the viewer through the story.

You’ll be pleased to know they were successful and this barbaric fashion was put a stop to in the 1920s.