Raymond Briggs, the author and illustrator best known for treasured children's classic The Snowman, has died aged 88, his family has confirmed.
Briggs was behind the story and iconic pencil crayon illustrations in the beloved 1978 wordless Christmas tale, which went on to win over new generations of fans after being adapted into a TV film in 1982 and being followed by sequel The Snowman and the Snowdog three decades later in 2012. The talented cartoonist won more than a dozen prestigious awards for his work over the years, including the Kurt Maschler Award, Children’s Book of the Year, and the Dutch Silver Pen Award.
Raymond’s family confirmed the sad news in a statement, saying: "We know that Raymond’s books were loved by and touched millions of people around the world, who will be sad to hear this news. Drawings from fans - especially children’s drawings - inspired by his books were treasured by Raymond, and pinned up on the wall of his studio.
"He lived a rich and full life and said he felt lucky to have had both his wife Jean, and his partner of over 40 years Liz in his life,” they added. "He shared his love of nature with Liz on South Downs Walks and on family holidays to Scotland and Wales.
"He also shared his sense of fun and craziness with his family, and with his family of artist friends - at get-togethers, fancy dress parties, and summer picnics in the garden," they went on in the touching tribute. "Raymond was much loved and will be deeply missed by his step-children, and step- grandchildren, by his dearest friends, by his devoted carers and team, and by his wonderful neighbours.”
Born in Wimbledon, Briggs discovered his love for cartoons at an early age and attended the Wimbledon School of Art from 1949 to 1953 to study painting, before later studying at the Slade School of Fine Art in London. Alongside The Snowman, some of Briggs’ most famous works include Father Christmas, Father Christmas Goes on Holiday, and Fungus the Bogeyman.
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