Harry Potter illustrator Kay steps down to focus on mental health

Jim Kay, the award-winning illustrator of the Harry Potter Illustrated Editions (Bloomsbury), will be stepping down from his role to focus on his mental health.

After almost 10 years of working on J K Rowling’s series, Kay will be retiring from his role to address the mental illness he has been “struggling with for some time”.

He will depart after the publication of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix on 11th October. The new full-colour gift book sees the Kate Greenaway Medal winner joined by guest artist Neil Packer, winner of the Bologna Ragazzi Award 2021.

Kay said: “When I received a phone call back in 2013 with an offer of an illustration job, I could never have anticipated the impact it would have upon my life. I am extremely lucky to have been involved in a franchise that has meant so much to so many people across the world. After 10 years of working with Bloomsbury, it is with great sadness that I have to step down from illustrating Harry Potter. I have been struggling with mental health illness for some time, and it would be wrong to try and continue when I can no longer give the fans and the series the full commitment and energy it deserves. 

“What comforts me is the knowledge that Bloomsbury will continue working with and supporting other artists to make the remaining books both beautiful and inspiring for a new generation of young readers. I would never have travelled this far through Harry’s journey without the constant support and patience of Bloomsbury and J K Rowling. I must thank them both for giving me 10 years of happy scribbling, and for the opportunity to meet so many Potter fans from all walks of life. We’ve all found inspiration between the pages of Jo’s books; for myself, it’s that intangible moment between reading words and creating pictures that I enjoyed, and shall miss, so much.”

A spokesperson for Bloomsbury Children’s Books said: “Working with Jim on these wonderful books has been a magical experience. Readers feel a deep, emotional connection to his work, appreciating the stories in new ways as they marvel at the richness and artistry of each piece.

“We feel so grateful and privileged to have enjoyed Jim’s vision of the wizarding world and recognise the staggering amount of dedication and work it represents. We will miss collaborating with Jim enormously, but he will always have a very special place in our Harry Potter family of unparalleled illustration talent.”