Dad has been a major fan of Mervyn Peake (1911-1968) since his tutor introduced him to his works at the tender age of 17. Ever since, my dad has been mesmerized with Peake's writings, illustrations and art. It is easy to understand why. Novels such as Gormenghast are complete masterpieces. As are his paintings and illustrations.
If you haven't seen Alice in Wonderland yet, then you must. But first have a look at the original drawings that Peake created for the original book. Tim Burton has clearly taken some inspiration from these incredible fantastical drawings.
As I read in The Observer at the weekend, previously unseen private letters have been handed over to the British Library. Apparently they have revealed crucial influences on the writers troubled imagination. There is also an unpublished sequel to the Gormenghast Trilogy written by Maeve Gilmore, Peake's widow that was discovered by Peake's granddaughter in the attic earlier this year.
The drawings and letters will be available to students and researchers so my dad best get in there soon. Exciting stuff for someone who has analysed all there is to see of this great artists work.
You ought to get your Dad a subscription to Peake Studies (www.peakestudies.com) -- there's lots he's missing there and it doesn't cost much!
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