Property from a Private collection

PAUL BIRKBECK (BRITISH 1939-2019)
We danced around our master for hours
signed and dated 63 (lower right)
oil on board
44 x 62 cm

In 1965 working with BBC childrens TV he became a prolific illustrator for its programmes. For Jackanory he illustrated 14 stories, including A Dog So Small (read by Judi Dench) and Peter Pan, (some in this sale), as well as the BBC Sunday afternoon Bible stories series In the Beginning.

His work for Jackanory continued for many years. He created the memorable opening titles for The Vikings in 1980, presented by Magnus Magnusson, and the iconic Miss Marple series, starring Joan Hickson. Paul also drew the backgrounds for the ground-breaking TV series Jane, starring Glynis Barber, which mixed cartoon backgrounds with live actors and was based on the 1940s comic strip of the same name.

In 1991, as well as supplying illustrations, he was in front of the camera playing himself each week in the BBCs six-part childrens TV history programme Now Then, an educational show that cleverly brought our ancestors to life.