Brian Froud

Born in Winchester in 1947, Brian Froud graduated with Honours from Maidstone College of Art in 1971 with a degree in Graphic Design. Soon afterwards, Froud began working in London on various projects ranging from book jackets, magazine covers to advertising as well as illustrating several children books. A couple of years later Brian Froud moved to Devon and stayed with fellow artist Alan Lee and Lee's family. Froud continued to illustrate children books as well as find time to create and publish his own artwork (such images can be found in The Land of Froud and Once Upon a Time). In 1978 Brian Froud and Alan Lee put together an ensemble of drawings and paintings in which the world adored: Faeries was a great success, hitting the number four spot on the New York Times Best Seller List. Brian Froud's artistic techniques and wisdom of folklore caught the eyes of many, including Jim Henson (creator of the Muppets). In 1978 Jim Henson hired Froud to help create a unique otherworld, better known as The World Of The Dark Crystal. The film "The Dark Crystal" was a monumental collaberation of ideas, techniques, and creativity. On the set of "The Dark Crystal"- released in 1982, Brian Froud met Wendy Midener, a puppet designer (creator of the "Gelflings" and Star Wars' "Yoda"). Their son Toby starred in the Henson film, "Labyrinth"- 1986, in which Brian Froud was once again hired as the Conceptual Designer. Froud continued working with Henson on television programs such as "Jim Henson's Storyteller," as well as working on designs for other film/media projects. Froud also began to collaborate with the screenwriter of "Labyrinth," Terry Jones. They created several books including one of Froud's most popular, titled Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book. Brian Froud has recently published the sequel to Froud/Lee's best selling Faeries book. This book, titled Good Faeries/Bad Faeries, has been highly acclaimed and warmly received by his many fans. Throughout the years, Brian Froud has created some of the most respected and highly acknowledged folklore/mythic artwork of out time. He has won numerous awards, including the ASFA Best Interior Illustration and the Hugo award for Best Original Artwork in 1995. Through Froud's unique style (by utilizing acrylics, colored pencil, pastels and ink), he has created some of the most well known fantasy images of the Twenty-first Century. Froud continues to create visual, spiritual and poetic tales that will last many years to come.