Snowman illustrator Raymond Briggs dies at 88

Raymond Briggs, a well-known British illustrator, died at the age of 88. Briggs was best known for his 1978 classic The Snowman. The Snowman was adapted into an animated television film that won the prestigious British Academy Television Awards TV Awards in 1982.

His death was confirmed by his family, who stated that he “was much loved and will be deeply missed”.

Also Read| What is The Breakfast Club?

Briggs created a slew of beloved characters, from The Snowman to When the Wind Blows, including his angst-ridden Fungus the Bogeyman and his version of Father Christmas. Throughout his six-decade career, he received numerous awards, and television adaptations made him a staple of British Christmas viewing.

Briggs was born in London in 1934 and attended Wimbledon School. Following his national service, he studied painting at University College London. Later, he worked as a professional illustrator and author at the Brighton College of Art.

Also Read| The Breakfast Club is ‘officially over’, says host Angela Yee

His books, plays, and TV animation stories have all been translated into numerous languages.

“Raymond liked to act the professional curmudgeon, but we will remember him for his stories of love and of loss. I know from the many letters he received how his books and animations touched people’s hearts. He kept his curiosity and sense of wonder right up to the last,” Hilary Delamere, Briggs’s literary agent stated.

Briggs’ original wordless children’s picture book, The Snowman, finished the runner-up for the Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognising the year’s best children’s book illustration by a British writer.

Also Read| Snapchat setting stage to lay off employees

It went on to sell more than 5.5m copies in various formats around the world.

The TV film adaptation, which also received an Oscar nomination for best animated short film, told the story of a young boy, waking up after a heavy snowfall and building a large snowman who later magically comes to life.

Time for Lights Out, Briggs’ final book, was published in November 2019.