Mike Wilks’ new book, Mirrorscape was launched at The Illustration Cupboard, St James’s, Piccadilly on 9th October. ALEC GAMBLE has been undertaking a Project Trident work experience with Write Away and attended the launch. He reports:

As we passed through the doors we were each handed a raffle ticket for a prize draw. It was a crowded place, buzzing with the excitement of the launch of the new book. The walls were lined with Mike Wilks’ artwork from the truly amazing The Ultimate Alphabet. I almost felt as though I had been deprived of colour as I was drawn into Mike’s vibrant, saturated worlds, crammed with exotic creatures and fantasy settings. I began to feel like Mel, Mirrorscape’s protagonist.. In fact, I wouldn’t have been surprised to step through the paintings into a parallel world (although I don’t think anyone else would have been too happy about me trying this).

I then had the chance to speak to James Ball, website designer for Egmont, who told me that the challenge for the website design was to come up with a concept as there was no pre-existent concept art. He continued the theme from the cover of the book incorporating it into the design and adding animations. To see the finished result visit the website http://www.mirrorscape.co.uk/

At half past eight the raffle was announced, the prizes being three signed pieces of Mike Wilks’ artwork. I was delighted when my name was called and I won one of the pictures. To keep up to date with contemporary illustrators visit The Illustration Cupboard

Mirrorscape is an amazing fantasy world limited only by the artist's imagination. In a land where colour can be purchased, those unable to pay must live surrounded by grey. Melkin Womper, son of a village weaver, is apprenticed to Ambrosius Blenk, a master painter. He soon discovers the world behind the pictures, stepping through and exploring the fantastic lands that lie beyond. Mirrorscape is available in all good bookshops and I would highly recommend reading it.

Our interview with Mike Wilks will be uploaded soon.