EXTRACTS: The Art of Ron Embleton (illustrators special) © 2018 The Book Palace (144 PAGES in Full edition)

140 The Magician at Work Doctor Who illustrator Andrew Skilleter recalls his friendship with the artist, when he and Ron were near neighbours. It was April 1960 and as a schoolboy I came across the front page of TV Express Weekly featuring Battleground by an artist identified as R. S. Embleton. The amazing full colour art sprang out at me from the pages and what stayed in my mind was the distinctive way he rendered the skin tones. Ron Embleton’s work made a huge impression on me and you can imagine my excitement when, as an art student, I discovered by chance that he lived in Bournemouth where I was studying! I made contact and, with great generosity of spirit, he became my friend and mentor. Many long telephone calls ensued and visits to his iconic mock Tudor house were always a delightful and stimulating experience. His lovely wife, Liz, was a gracious and charming host, joining in the chat in their ABOVE: A delightful cartoon from 1969 that Ron created for Andrew Skilleter's fanzine Ultima Thule . RIGHT AND FACING PAGE: Two unfinished artworks reveal Ron's technique. The drawing on the opposite page, which was created to promote a local exhibition of Ron and his daughter Gill's art, shows light pencil under-drawing, with additional pencilling with the water-soluble Caran D'Ache coloured pencils. We are indebted to Andrew for the supply of these images. Examples of Andrew's Dr Who art can be found on his website at: www andrewskilleter.com