EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 9 © 2014 The Book Palace (96 PAGES in Full edition)

96 Bryn Havord At illustrators we have often said a picture is worth a thousand words and here is such an example. It shows Bryn Havord at his work station, looking particularly pleased with himself as, true to form, he was gently teasing the renowned illustrator, blogger and university professor, Leif Peng about the relative size of their computer monitors. The image was attached to an email with the memorable opener; “Good Morning Leif—why haven’t you got a big one like me?”. You can see the difference if you look at Bryn’s screen. Leif responded to the jest by revealing that his current work screen was even smaller—a MacBook Pro and if this trend continued he would probably end up working on an iPhone. There are many reasons why I love this photo; but above all it shows Bryn in his element, working in his modestly proportioned but immaculately organised garden shed, on a project that was very dear to his heart. To a novice editor he was, without doubt, the most inspirational and dedicated of mentors that anyone could ever hope for. The pleasure and pride that he took in overseeing the production of each issue of illustrators are embodied in this picture. Bryn’s life reflected the rugged individuality of the man. He grew up with a degree of upper middle class comfort, which rapidly disappearedwhen the family fell on hard times. At the age of 15, and at his father’s insistence that he make a man of himself, he was working on a trawler in the middle of a North Sea gale with 30 foot waves threatening to engulf the boat and Bryn praying to the good Lord above that he would forswear all future shank cranking if the Almighty could just, please, guide the ship to safer waters. Sharing his mother’s passion for art he gained employment at Eagle comic, drawing panel borders around picture strips. His flair for creating cutting edge design gained him a rapid rise through the ranks of magazine publishing so that by 1964, he was working as Art Director at Woman’s Mirror , commissioning illustrators such as Walter Wyles, Brian Sanders, Michael Johnson, and Andy Virgil. His career in Fleet Street would be a long and fruitful one and unlike many of his contemporaries, his reaction to the new technology was to embrace rather than avoid it. I discovered Bryn when I read one of his posts to Leif Peng’s blog; ‘Today’s Inspiration’. My invitation to write for illustrators evoked a positive response and on the back of this auspicious beginning was forged the most productive and rewarding relationship conceivable. His dedication was such that on the day he was due to go into hospital, he was still emailing me with thoughts and suggestions for ways to improve illustrators . I received his last email a couple of weeks later when, despite the ravages of his illness, he still wanted to flag up new subjects worthy of coverage Bryn often observed that I wouldn’t have the benefit of his input indefinitely, saying he had ceased buying long-life milk as he thought it was tempting fate. I would respond that with all that we had yet to achieve, premature shuffling off the mortal coil was an indulgence we could ill afford. Sadly Bryn’s caution has been vindicated, but his sheer strength of personality will leave its mark on each and every issue we produce. Farewell Bryn, you will be greatly missed by all of us. ●