Have you ever walked through a place and felt the stories whispering from its walls? That’s exactly how it felt when I started my latest illustration project centered around Colchester Castle, one of the most iconic historical landmarks in the UK. But this isn’t just any project—I’m thrilled to be illustrating for the upcoming ‘Mythical Creatures’ exhibition at Colchester Castle, running from July 2025 to February 2026. This exhibition will explore the role of storytelling and folklore, bringing legendary creatures to life in a magical, immersive way.

The Inspiration Behind the Project

Colchester Castle isn’t just a beautiful fortress—it’s steeped in tales of Roman Britain, Norman conquest, and centuries of transformation. But for this project, the focus shifts to the mythical creatures that have captured imaginations for generations. From unicorns and dragons to the mysterious Black Shuck and a mischievous mermaid (yes, we’re inventing a moat for the castle!), the exhibition will take visitors on an adventure through folklore and legend.

The accompanying story invites visitors to embark on a quest—rescuing a kidnapped fishing crew from a devious mermaid by gathering magical items from mythical creatures across East Anglia. This narrative not only guided my illustrations but also fueled my imagination as I envisioned these legendary beings.

My Creative Process

For this project, I was tasked with creating:

A Unicorn dipping its horn into water
A Griffin in its mountain nest
A Dragon surrounded by gold
A Mermaid in the castle’s imagined moat

The illustrations needed to be bold, colorful, and life-sized, appealing to young families while maintaining a sense of realism for older visitors. I began with in-depth research into local folklore and natural history, ensuring each creature felt authentic yet magical. From there, I moved into sketching and experimenting with color palettes that would bring warmth and wonder to each scene.

Why This Project Matters

Illustrating for the Mythical Creatures exhibition isn’t just about creating beautiful images; it’s about connecting people to history and folklore in a way that feels personal and engaging. This project perfectly aligns with my passion for historically inspired picture books and educational materials. It’s a reminder that stories—whether from ancient history or fantastical legend—have the power to bring people together across generations.

If you’re a publisher or brand looking for illustrations that blend history with heart, I’d love to collaborate on projects that celebrate storytelling and imagination.

Get in touch

Let’s Bring More Stories to Life

If you enjoyed this glimpse into my Colchester Castle project, I invite you to explore more of my work or reach out for collaboration opportunities. Whether it’s historical landmarks, fairy tales, or family stories, I’m passionate about creating illustrations that warm hearts and spark imaginations.

Contact me here to discuss your next project—let’s bring your story to life!