I am sure most of you have seen that simply adorable and heartwarming video of Queen Elizabeth II and Paddington Bear (below). Well, Paddington Bear wasn’t the only classic children’s book character to spend time with The Queen over Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee weekend! I had the absolute honour of illustrating The Queen and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
And I am pleased to announce that just over £1000 was raised for the DEC Ukraine Appeal from the sale of prints. Thank you to everyone who bought one.
Below is the original press release.
Award-winning children's book illustrator of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Queen's Hat, Steve Antony, has illustrated Her Majesty flying the world's most famous fictional car to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. All proceeds will be donated to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
Antony, known for his award-winning The Queen's Hat, illustrated the first picture book adaptation of Ian Fleming's classic children's story, which was written by Peter Bently and published by Hachette Children's in 2020.
Steve Antony says: “What better way to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee than to race through the clouds in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. And if Chitty Chitty Bang Bang should cough and splutter who better to check under her bonnet than Queen Elizabeth II, who trained as a mechanic during WWII. But more importantly, I hope we can reach the £7000 target to contribute towards DEC’s essential aid and help the displaced people of Ukraine, especially the children.”
Corinne Turner, Managing Director of Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, says: “Ian Fleming’s magical flying car is a beloved part of British culture, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this historic occasion by giving Her Majesty the chance to take Chitty Chitty Bang Bang out for a spin. We adore Steve’s artwork, especially The Queen’s Hat, and are proud to honour Queen Elizabeth II with this special design. We hope fans enjoy it and that the money raised for charity is also a cause for celebration.”
Author, Peter Bently says: "I hope you will be as delighted as I am by Steve's brilliant and witty illustration of Her Majesty taking to the skies in everyone's favourite flying car. Happy Jubilee, Ma'am, and hold on to you hat!"
Prints can be purchased from www.steveantony.com. More information on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang can be found at www.ianfleming.com
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a trademark of Danjaq LLC and United Artists Corporation, used under licence by Ian Fleming Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. Text copyright © Ian Fleming Publications Ltd 1964, 1965.