Grace Suen wins Macmillan illustration prize

Grace Suen, a student from Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London, has won this year’s Macmillan Prize for Illustration.

Suen won the prize for her work entitled 'Hide and Seek', which beat 246 other works of art. She was also highly commended for her other entry, 'The Monologue of Monster'.

Chris Inns, chair of the judges and picture books art director at Macmillan Children’s Books, said: “You can’t fail to be moved by Grace's work as it’s so uniquely atmospheric. She’s not only technically skilled, but her illustrations are saturated with meaning and layers of story. She knows how to manipulate her audience and we were all intrigued, unsettled and enthralled. Each image draws you in and keeps a firm grip on you, long after you’ve walked away.”

Second and third prizes were awarded to Harriet Lynas from City Lit for 'Oliver and the Dinobird', and to Lucy Grainge from Glasgow School of Art for 'Lengths'.

The prize was launched more than 30 years ago by Macmillan to help launch the careers of young illustrators in art schools. To enter, students must submit Pencil roughs or sketches for a children’s picture book, including text or a clear indication of the story line, as well as four finished double-page spreads. Previous winners include Lucy Cousins, Emily Gravett and Ross Collins.

This year’s judges included illustrator David Roberts; Fiona Noble, children’s and YA previewer for The Bookseller; and Florentyna Martin, children’s buyer at Waterstones..