His skill is in how he presents the familiar in a new way, with a respectful eye – a visitor displaced from his own country. Explore the castle, streets, characters, tartans and curiosities that make the city so appealing to walk around, whilst appreciating witty text and charming vignettes. By the back cover, he is walking away, playing the bagpipes, wearing a kilt, transformed by the Scottish capital experience. On the front endpaper Sasek is seen walking into the book in a sharp suit, carrying a portfolio under his arm. I love the humour, the large format, and the well-observed detail of This Is Edinburgh. Sasek travelled with two suitcases, one filled with art materials.
I wonder where he stayed in Edinburgh? The artwork sent to print was done in pencil with watercolour and gouache. Sketchbook studies would lead to a page-by-page plan, followed by starting the final illustrations, with penciled notes in the margins, while out on location. His process involved researching and reading before the trip, then, on arrival, walking and drawing, drawing, drawing, drawing. “I worked from 4am until midnight, and finished the book in two months.” It was Sasek’s fifth “This Is…” destination, and a favourite, except for the rain and cold (he recommends a hot water bottle.) He found that the summer light made for good working conditions. A Double Bill for you this month! TWO book reviews: This Is Edinburgh, and a monograph of its author/illustrator, Miroslav Sasek.Įdinburgh is a great city, to live in and visit.
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