Art of the New Naturalists

The stunning, specially commissioned cover illustrations are one of the great joys of the New Naturalist series, lending it a distinctive style which has inspired nature enthusiasts for many decades.

The Collins New Naturalist series is the longest-running and arguably the most influential natural history series in the world with over 100 volumes published in over 60 years. Throughout the years, the highly characteristic dust jacket illustrations have become iconic, lifting the books to a level of collectibility and increasing the level of admiration for an already well-established and respected series.

With early cover illustrations prepared by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis, later and more recent covers have been designed by Robert Gillmor. Featuring prints of the awe-inspiring artwork of the New Naturalists, the book will offer a unique insight into Gillmor’s approach to each subject matter and the intricate and creative way through which he has brought his own distinctive style and craft of printmaking to the New Naturalist series.

Marren explores the findings from the Ellis archive, which has thrown up considerable information on how the old covers were developed, approved, in some cases rejected, and then proofed.

The Art of the New Naturalists offers a fascinating insight into how the creation of these eminent cover designs has developed and progressed and will be essential reading for everyone interested in the frantic workings behind the seemingly serene collection of artwork that is one of Britain’s iconic book series.

Reviews

‘My nature book of the year […]. Since they first appeared in 1945, the New Naturalists have grown into the most famous and collectable series of nature books ever.'
Stephen Moss, Guardian

'A fascinating and detailed account of this small triumph of post-war book production.’
Country Life

About the author

Peter Marren is the author of two books in the New Naturalist series, The New Naturalists and Nature Conservation, and is the authority on the history and iconography of the series. He has written numerous other books, and writes regularly for the Independent and British Wildlife.

Robert Gillmor, a founder member and past president of the Society of Wildlife Artists, is one of Britain's most influential wildlife illustrators. He has been creating the New Naturalist cover artwork for many years.