Ann James
Ann James grew up in Melbourne. In a career spanning 45 years, Ann has illustrated over 70 books, collaborating with many writers. Her playful approach to making pictures is reflected in the stories she chooses and the variety of materials and techniques she uses to illustrate them. They include Margaret Wild’s The Midnight Gang, Lucy Goosey, Little Humpty, and Goodbye House, Hello House; Sonya Hartnett’s Sadie & Ratz ; the Audrey of the Outback series and It’s a Miroocool! by Christine Harris; A Very Quacky Christmas, by Frances Watts; Janeen Brian’s I’m a Dirty Dinosaur series, and her own Bird & Bear books.
With her partner Ann Haddon, they established Books Illustrated in Melbourne in 1988. For over 30 years they promoted Australian picture books and their creators through exhibitions and events in Australia and overseas, closing the business in 2023. In 2016 each was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for their work in Children’s Literature.
Ann served on the Board of the Australian Society of Authors for 20 years, and was a founding Director on the Australian Children’s Laureate Board.
In 2000 she was the nominated Australian Illustrator for the Hans Christian Andersen Award.
In 2024 Ann received the Australian Society of Authors Medal, awarded annually to an Australian author or illustrator for their contribution to Australian culture as both a creator and an advocate.
The National Centre is proud to hold individual artwork by Ann James of Hazel Edwards title:
To make an appointment to view Ann James’ artwork please contact us at ncacl@canberra.edu.au
See also:
NCACL catalogue holdings by Ann James
Ann James Copyright Agency
ASA Medal 2024 from website
ASA Letter to Ann James
Books Illustrated
Ann James Copyright Agency
Hazel Edwards Papers
John Barrow Art Collection
Posted by: NCACL | Published: 01 Jan 2024
