Award-winning children's book illustrator of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Queen's Hat, Steve Antony, has raised £1050 for DEC Ukraine Humanitarian appeal.
To commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, the Swindon-based children's author and illustrator illustrated Her Majesty flying the world’s most famous fictional car and sold the limited-edition prints across the months of June and July.
Antony, known for his award-winning The Queen's Hat, illustrated the first picture book adaptation of Ian Fleming's classic children's story, which was written by Peter Bently and published by Hachette Children's in 2020.
Steve Antony said: “With all the buzz leading up to The Queen's Platinum Jubilee I thought it would be fun to draw The Queen, as she appears in 'The Queen's Hat', taking flight in the all-new electric Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
"It commemoratives the Jubilee but also celebrates one of children's literature's most iconic and classic characters. I'm so pleased that we managed to raise so much for the Ukraine Appeal. Thank you to everyone who bought a print.”
Corinne Turner, managing director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, said: “Ian Fleming’s magical flying car is a beloved part of British culture, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this historic occasion by giving Her Majesty the chance to take Chitty Chitty Bang Bang out for a spin.
We adore Steve’s artwork, especially The Queen’s Hat, and are proud to honour Queen Elizabeth II with this special design. We hope fans enjoy it and that the money raised for charity is also a cause for celebration.”
Author of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang book Peter Bently said: "I hope you will be as delighted as I am by Steve's brilliant and witty illustration of Her Majesty taking to the skies in everyone's favourite flying car!"
Steve Antony is Swindon Libraries Patron to Children’s Reading Services, an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust and a committee member of The Society of Author’s Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group.
In 2020 he was the guest of honour for Swindon Borough Council's Libraries Week where he was celebrated and thanked for the work he does with youngsters in the town.
Steve is colour vision deficient, more commonly known as colour-blind and lives in South West England with his husband and cat.
More information on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can be found at www.ianfleming.com
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