Martin Hargreaves

History and humour marry together beautifully in the illustrations of Martin Hargreaves, and his versatile style has seen him creating everything from pastiche images mimicking the great masters to fantastical beasts and still life paintings. You’ll find his work in advertising, children’s books, magazines and newspapers, and even at Hampton Court Palace. It’s no surprise to learn that Martin’s greatest inspiration comes from classical painters like William Hogarth, Hans Holbein, Rembrandt and Giovanni Battista Piazzetta. In fact, he says that if he could travel back in time he would visit the 18th century, and alongside his love of Renaissance artwork he also loves classical music. Martin works from a shed in his garden, with large windows through which he can see apple trees and the rolling hills of East Sussex. If he ever gets creative block, he likes to dig in his vegetable garden, or look after his many pets, which include two dogs, three horses, two guinea pigs and seven chickens.