By Ruth Rowland
Illustration: The Owl Service Cover Art & Illustration . Alan Garner
A series of illustrations for Alan Garner’s much-fêted novel, The Owl Service.
A hauntingly beautiful book set in modern-day Wales, The Owl Service tells a story inspired by the Welsh myth of Blodeuwedd from the original 14th century manuscript, The Mabinogion, about a woman who is made from flowers by the magicians, Math and Gwydion.
The hand lettered cover illustration shows the main character's metamorphosis from flowers to owl, a theme that is echoed in the blossoms and feathers on the end paper design below.
The Owl Service Book Cover Illustration
The Owl Service: End Paper Design
The Owl Service: End Paper Design (Pattern)
The second illustration features the Slate of Gronw, an ancient stone key to both myth and modern-day story with hand lettered calligram quote from the novel:
"She wants to be flowers, but you make her owls. You must not complain, then, if she goes hunting."
The Slate of Gronw Calligram Illustration
The Slate of Gronw Illustration (Detail)
The Slate of Gronw Calligram (Detail)
If you enjoyed browsing this series of illustrations inspired by Alan Garner's classic young adult novel and would like to see more, head over to my post on the inspirational YA book by Tomi Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bone ...
