A long luxurious weekend of play, exploration, personal work time, group critiques and fun for picture book writers and illustrators. As well as the creative activities in our facilitated sessions, there will be time for work on personal projects. Evenings will be open for informal critique sessions, discussions on technique, craft and the children's publishing industry.
Are you ready for an invigorating weekend on the beautiful River Avon in Worcestershire? Ready to wake up each morning and jump into a creative workshop with our faculty to kick-start your picture book writing and illustrating, explore new techniques and experiment with words and images? Then join us at Holland House to do just those things!
As well as the creative activities in our facilitated sessions, there will be time for work on personal projects. Evenings will be open for informal critique sessions, discussions on technique, craft and the children's publishing industry.
This year's speakers:
Leo Timmers
This year our main speaker will be author illustrator, and Hans Christian Andersen Award nominee, Leo Timmers! Leo Timmers is a renowned author and illustrator celebrated for his vibrant and imaginative picture books. He studied advertising and graphic design, which laid the foundation for his career as an illustrator. Timmers debuted as a picture book author in 2000 with Happy with Me, earning the prestigious Bookfeather award for the most promising picture book debut. His works, such as Monkey on the Run, Gus’s Garage, and Where is the Dragon?, are characterized by playful storytelling and intricate illustrations, captivating readers of all ages. Timmers has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including recognition from the Flemish Leesjury multiple times. His books have been translated into 32 languages, and he was the first Flemish illustrator to have a book included in The New York Times' top ten books of the year. Timmers is nominated for the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award, one of the most prestigious honours in children's literature, recognising his lifelong contribution to the field.
Guest Editor
To Be Confirmed
Organisers
The retreat begins on Friday 5th July (arrival from 3 pm) and ends after breakfast on Monday 8th July 2024.
The retreat will be held at Holland House located in four acres of beautiful gardens in Cropthorne, Pershore, Worcestershire. A magnet for writers and artists, Holland House is a perfect setting to find inspiration and new ideas, to experiment and share expertise. The nearest British Rail station is Evesham. Once in Evesham you can take a taxi or bus to Holland House.
Directions: use post code WR10 3NB * for navigation settings or Google map directions. *Word of warning, this postcode has sent people to a different location, so please check on your sat nav map that it is Holland House, Cropthorne as your target destination.
Every attendee will be pre-assigned a faculty mentor (published author / illustrator, agent or art director) for their 20 minute 1-to-1 review session.
Most art materials for making dummies and optional craft techniques are supplied, and a list of suggested art materials for bringing along with you will be sent closer to the time of the retreat.
Retreat fees include accommodation and meals, plus a pre-assigned 20-minute 1-1 mentor session.
Questions or queries, please email [email protected]
