York Book Fair puts the cat amongst the pigeons

From its first incarnation, with 20 exhibitors at the White Swan Inn in 1974, the York Book Fair has grown into the largest and friendliest in Britain.

Next month the York National Book Fair returns, with stunning new artwork by acclaimed city artist Mark Hearld. Mark has designed a striking new cover for the catalogue.

Mark first worked for the fair in 2008 when the team thought a makeover would attract a new audience. Since then the fair has consistently attracted more than 2,000 visitors each year.

This year however, Mark has come up with a new design for the fair catalogue which literally sets the cat amongst the pigeons.

Mark’s career as an illustrator goes from strength to strength. Taking his inspiration from the flora and fauna of the British countryside, Mark works across a number of mediums, producing limited edition lithographic and linocut prints, unique paintings, collages and hand-painted ceramics.

Booksellers often share Mark’s admiration for designers such as Edward Bawden and John Piper, artists well regarded for their forays into the world of commercial design and book arts.

Mark has recently completed commissions for Faber & Faber and Tate Museums. A First Book Of Nature, a children’s book illustrated by a series of Mark’s unique collages, was published by Walker Books in 2012.

• York National Book Fair is at York Racecourse on Friday, September 20 (noon-7pm) and Saturday, September 21 (10am – 5pm)
• Details and complimentary tickets available on the book fair website