Thérèse Neelands

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Illustrated by Quentin Blake

Charles Dickens and I go way back. Way back. And my first experience of him started with this book, A Christmas Carol, when Steph, every Christmas season, would read aloud to me by the Christmas tree and some apple cidar. After that, I was gripped and hooked by his wild imagination, and delicious command of the English Language, his poetry in prose, and his comical and witty humour.

My favourite author? Yes. Indubitably, yes. (Ms. Atwood comes later).

Nicholas Nickelby, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, Christmas Stories, Domby & Son, Martin Chuzzlewit, David Copperfield, Bleak House, The Pickwick Papers, The Old Curiosity Shop, A Tale of Two Cities

David Copperfield was next, although I was very much aware of A Tale of Two Cities and Madame de Farge. Then Great Expectations and so on and so forth. On and on I read, 900 pages a book, and I am still very touched by them.

My Favourite Author, and My Favourite Illustrator –

Round about the same time I was reading Dickens, I was also reading Roald Dahl (what is it, with the British?) and it was Roald Dahl who introduced me to Quentin Blake. As an artist (one who has wanted to illustrate books from the time I started reading and picked up a pencil), Quentin Blake is my hero. His pictures are such that one can read them. Please explore his website, and watch the videos posted there.

Scrooge in His Countinghouse

Quentin Blake and Charles Dickens, although from the same country, are from a very different time, but parallel in their wit,  wild imagination, humour and delight.

"The brightness of the shops where holly sprigs and berries crackled in the lamp heat of the windows, made pale faces ruddy as they passed."

Last year, I got wind of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol illustrated by Quentin Blake and was astounded by the sheer perfectness of a match.

" 'Where is he, my love?' said Scrooge"

I’ve looked all over for it since, and last weekend, after Steph’s return from England, she hands over this book to me. At the right time to inspire me to illustrate T & A’s annual Christmas Card. Please see below.

T & A's Christmas Card 2008, Illustrated Therese Neelands

And now, after I pour myself my last bit of coffee, and sit in my new studio, that is exactly what I am about to do.