Kay Widdowson

I studied film and graphics at Chesterfield College of Art and then went on to work as an animator in children's television for five years. My love of books led me to go freelance and for the past 20 years I've been illustrating mainly children's books. I've worked with a range of clients, which include Campbell, Usborne, Autumn, Hodder, Tango, The Welsh Books Council and Lion. I also design greeting cards - recently for Woodmansterne and Clare Maddicott.

I live and work in a tiny Victorian terrace on the edge of Chorlton Meadows Nature Reserve with my two cats.

We love watching the wildlife.

I also belong to a group of printmakers based up in Rossendale. When I'm not drinking tea and chatting, I produce etchings and collagraphs in the old traditional way of a printing press. Lots of mess and smelly turps. Bliss! I exhibit and sell my work in markets and galleries in the North West.

I love collecting stuff - books, packaging, tin robots, little toys, old pots and textiles - anything vintage.

I can't think of a better way of life than to go into my work room followed by my two lovely cats, radio on, tea and biscuits at the ready, brush in hand and create pictures.

See books by Kay