Phillida Gili facts for kids

Phillida Gili is a talented British artist. She is famous for illustrating children's books. One of her most well-known works is a special pop-up book version of The Nutcracker, which came out in 1992.

About Phillida Gili

Phillida Gili grew up in a creative family. Her father, Reynolds Stone, was an artist who worked with wood engraving, design, and painting. Her mother, Janet Woods, was a singer and photographer.

Even as a child, Phillida showed artistic talent. She won a prize from The Young Elizabethan magazine for a drawing. It was a unique picture of a human foot, drawn from the tiny view of an ant!

In 1967, something very cool happened. Her father used an image of young Phillida to create a design for the back of the British £5 note. This design showed a "child Britannia." These special notes were used as money from January 9, 1967, until August 31, 1973.

Phillida went on to study art at the St Martin's School of Art. She once shared that Fritz Wegner, one of her teachers there, gave her the first real encouragement she ever got in art school.

Phillida Gili married a filmmaker named Jonathan Gili. They had three children together. Today, she lives in London, continuing her artistic journey.

Phillida Gili's Creative Works

Phillida Gili spends her time illustrating and sometimes writing children's books. Her work brings stories to life with beautiful pictures.

Some of the books she has illustrated include:

• Archie and the Strict Baptists by Sir John Betjeman
• The Nutcracker
• Sleeping Beauty
• Picture books by Nina Bawden and Jenny Nimmo
• A pop-up version of Cinderella
• The Lost Ears

Besides books, Phillida Gili has also created art for other things. Her illustrations have appeared on calendars, greeting cards, and stationery for companies like Laura Ashley. She has also done work for the National Trust and for advertisements.