John Burningham was an award-winning artist and illustrator. Born in 1936, he worked in multiple mediums – painting, illustration, collage and sculpture. He was known especially for the wit and humour in his storytelling and artwork and was hugely admired amongst his contemporaries. His critically acclaimed picture books are loved all over the world.

During his career he won numerous awards for his work including the Kate Greenaway Award in 1963 for his first picture book, Borka, The Adventures of a Goose with No Feathers. 2023 will be the 60th anniversary of Borka’s publication. In addition to his picture books, John published books for older readers including Around the World in Eighty Days, England, France, The Time of your Life and Champagne.

He was married to the illustrator Helen Oxenbury and lived for many years in Hampstead, London. In 2018 John and Helen were jointly presented with the Book Trust Lifetimes Achievement Award for their work in children’s books.  The Estate of John Burningham has been set up by John’s family to keep awareness of his books and work alive.