Posted by Roger Wardale on August 08, 2014 at 13:58:49 user RogerW.
In Reply to: Re: The Big 6 illustrations posted by Peter Ceresole on August 08, 2014 at 10:07:52:
I agree. The illustrations for BS and PM are, I think, the best in the series.
My theory is that, for different reasons, AR had time to work on his illustrations as the text was completed early and he was unable to sail. BS was the easiest book to write and received Genia's most favourable verdict, and so AR could enjoy himself — he even made a study of a white rat in ink!
Certainly, sketches for the illustrations you mention exist, and I have no doubt that the illustrations are entirely the work of AR without help, unlike Swallowdale and Missee Lee, the sketchbooks for which contain sketches by a more accomplished hand.
By the way, one sketch shows Mr Tedder by the D and G that has a yard-high chimney pot!