Brian Froud is a very well-known illustrator of faeries and goblins. His work has been used as the inspiration for cinema 'creatures', including Jim Hensons' 'The Dark Crystal' and 'Labyrinth'. He has also worked with the screenwriter of Labyrinth, Terry Jones, to create several books including the famous 'Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book', and has won numerous awards, including the ASFA Best Interior Illustration and the Hugo award for Best Original Artwork in 1995.

"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see."- Brian Froud

Born in Winchester, England in 1947, Brian Froud graduated with Honours from Maidstone College of Art in 1971 with a degree in Graphic Design. After graduation, he worked in London on projects including book jackets, magazine covers and advertising, as well as illustrating several children books.

Brian Froud moved to Devon a couple of years later, staying with fellow artist Alan Lee and family. He continued to illustrate children books as well as creating and publishing his own artwork. In 1978 Brian Froud and Alan Lee put together a very successful book of drawings and paintings, 'Faeries', which was very well received, reaching number four on the New York Times Best Seller list.

During his time working on 'The Dark Crystal' Brian Froud met Wendy Midener, a puppet designer (creator of the 'Gelflings' and Star Wars' 'Yoda'). Their baby son Toby starred in 'Labyrinth', for which Brian Froud was the Conceptual Designer. Froud continued working with Henson on television programmes, including 'Jim Henson's Storyteller', as well as working on designs for other film and media projects.

Brian Froud has recently published the sequel to Froud/Lee's best selling 'Faeries book', titled 'Good Faeries/Bad Faeries'. The book has again been very well received by both critics and his many fans.

Brian, Wendy and Toby Froud's website can be visited by clicking here.