Bravery made Penguin General art director

Richard Bravery has been promoted with immediate effect to art director at Penguin General.

Previously senior literary designer at Penguin Books, Bravery stepped up in the interim following the sudden death of longtime art director John Hamilton in February.

Joining Penguin General almost 12 years ago from 4th Estate, Bravery has been working as senior designer across the Penguin General imprints, designing covers for authors such as Robert MacFarlane, Ali Smith, Naomi Alderman, Jonathan Coe, Dave Eggers, Zadie Smith, Colm Tóibín, Joshua Ferris and Pat Barker.  

Bravery told The Bookseller: "Working alongside John for over a decade was a privilege, he leaves behind an immense legacy and it’s an honour to be stepping into this role.  Penguin occupies a special place within British design culture, and I look forward to shaping the future direction of this iconic, ever evolving list."

Penguin General m.d. Joanna Prior said: “In the four months since we lost John Hamilton, our art director of 21 years, I really couldn’t have asked for a more capable, thoughtful and committed colleague to step into the gap that opened up so shockingly and suddenly in our lives.” 

She added: “Richard has great range and skill as a designer and has also built up a broad and deep contacts book of talented freelance illustrators, photographers and designers who he has commissioned and worked with over the years. All of us who have worked with Richard since he joined are in no doubt about the seriousness of his commitment to maintaining the very highest standards for our covers and know that he will not just uphold but also enhance Penguin’s formidable design reputation.”

Bravery will be recruiting for new roles for the Penguin General art team to work alongside designers Chris Bentham and Holly Ovenden.