Originally books were illustrated with the illustrators and the writers working alongside each other, co-partners in the books production. A perfect example of this close relationship is Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake. Blake still illustrated Dahl’s books after he had died, simply because he had gotten to know him so well, he knew what he would have wanted.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory By Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake Source: http://www.lookingglassreview.com/html/roald_dahl1.html
An example of a close contemporary collaboration is Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell: as one writes the other will draw.
Beyond The Deepwoods, The Edge Chronicles, by Paul Stewart, illustrated by Chris Riddell. Source:http://thelastwordbooks.blogspot.com/2010/12/young-adults-edge-chronicles-by-paul.html
Why don’t these types of collaborations happen so much anymore?
With the Internet and the convenience of emailing, you rarely have to meet an author or director in person. Nowadays these close collaborations between artist and author are very rare. Being able to interact via the web saves time and money, which is why many do favour it. Perhaps Authors are also too precious about their work to risk collaborating with an illustrator.
Why don’t contemporary adult novels have illustrations as standard?
When younger we are used to images filling the pages often with very little writing at all. When we are able to read at a much higher level, perhaps we could find an image distracting. We already have so much visual simulation that someone else’s interpretations are off-putting and hinder our own imagination.
An interesting concept to finish with from writer David Mitchell, who has said he doesn’t want to be branded and so he always wants someone different to illustrate each of his books. This is an interesting way of reinventing himself, and keeping his readers on their toes.
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