Peggy Fortnum has died. She was 96 years old.
The New York Times reports that Fortnum established a successful career as an artist. Throughout her life, she illustrated more than 80 books. She became especially well-known for creating the illustrations of the Paddington Bear children’s books series (written by Michael Bond).
Here’s more from The Washington Post: “In her original pen-and-ink drawings, Ms. Fortnum depicted Paddington with a floppy hat and duffel coat. With a few strokes of a pen, she could send him flying on a bicycle or direct his eyes up or down to betray a universe of emotions…Ms. Fortnum’s original drawings are regarded as valuable collectors’ items and can fetch thousands of pounds at sale — a tangible measure, perhaps, of the intangible nostalgia that they inspire among formerly young readers.” (via The Telegraph)