Illustrator Jim Kay Reimagines the Harry Potter Universe; New Edition Set for 2015

By: Dec. 07, 2013
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Portrait of Harry Potter by Jim Kay. Image via The Guardian.

The Guardian revealed yesterday that illustrator Jim Kay will be reimagining the whole of JK Rowling's beloved Harry Potter universe, with the launch of a new fully illustrated edition of the series, beginning with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in September 2015.

Following "an explosion of delight" at the commission was "an implosion of brain freezing terror," according to Kay. "To design the characters, the clothing, the architecture and landscapes to possibly the most expansive fantasy world in children's literature, well let's just say I'm extremely excited about it," he told the Guardian. "However, I am also mindful of the huge responsibility this represents. I want to make sure I do the best job I possibly can."

Read the original report here.

Following the publication of the first book in the series, Bloomsbury will release each of the subsequent novels annually, mirroring the original release schedule of the series back in 1997. Bloomsbury is in talks with Harry Potter publishers around the world in hopes for worldwide publication of the new editions at the same time.

Jim Kay won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2012 for his illustrations in A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. Jim studied illustration at the University of Westminster and since graduating has worked in the Archives of Tate Britain and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. Jim has produced concept work for television and contributed to a group exhibition at the V&A museum in London. He now lives and works in Northamptonshire with his partner and a rescued greyhound. For more about Kay, visit his website.

The Harry Potter novels have now sold approximately 450 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 74 languages. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was recently voted the nation's favourite children's book in a poll by reading charity Booktrust.

J.K. Rowling was the first children's author to be voted the BA Author of the Year, and also win the British Book Awards Author of the Year. J.K. Rowling lives with her family in Edinburgh.



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