Iconic illustrator and author of ‘The Snowman’, Raymond Briggs dies at 88
Raymond Briggs has passed away at the age of 88.
The Snowman, a beloved illustrated children’s book that was initially published in 1978 and has since inspired musicals and films all around the world, is the author and illustrator’s best-known work.
The news was confirmed by his publisher, Penguin Random House, on Wednesday.
In a statement, his family said: “We know that millions of people throughout the world enjoyed and were moved by Raymond’s novels, and they will be saddened to hear this news. Raymond loved and put up on the wall of his workshop the drawings made by fans, particularly the drawings made by children and inspired by his writings.
‘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.
‘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.
‘He played practical jokes and enjoyed them being played on him. All of us close to him knew his irreverent humour – this could be biting in his work when it came to those in power. He liked the Guardian editorial describing himself as an “iconoclastic national treasure”.’
