MCB pays tribute to illustrator Jane Eccles

Macmillan Children's Books has paid tribute to “much-loved” illustrator Jane Eccles who passed away on Monday (27th February).
 
Eccles had worked with the publisher for 25 years and the publisher’s editorial director for 6+ titles, Gaby Morgan, counted her as a “good friend” as well as a colleague, saying she would "miss her terribly".

Eccles gained a degree in graphic design at the Chelsea School of Art, before beginning her career in illustration whilst working part-time for Waterstones. She went on to work in “all areas in the world of illustration”, from magazine editorial work and advertising to illustrating books for a number of publishers as well as Macmillan’s including, Scholastic, Franklin Watts, Child's Play and A&C Black. She wrote and illustrated her own book, Maxwell Monster, in 1991 for ABC/ The All Children’s Company.
 
The Tehran-born artist said in her blog: “I have been drawing ever since I could hold a pencil and, encouraged by my parents, filled endless sketchbooks.”
 
A Macmillan spokesperson said: “Her output as an illustrator showed an incredible breadth of talent, and she brought warmth and humour to every project.”

Morgan said: “I worked with her for 23 years and she was an incredible colleague and a good friend. She brought such life and wit to the books she illustrated and always understood what a book needed. I will miss her terribly."