The Snowman was originally published as a children’s book in 1978, selling more than 5.5 million copies worldwide, before it was adapted into a beloved animated film four years later.
Raymond Briggs, the author, and illustrator best known for the 1978 classic The Snowman died at the age of 88.
His publisher, Penguin Random House, issued the announcement.
The Snowman was first published as a children’s book, selling more than 5.5 million copies worldwide, before it was adapted into a popular animated film in 1982. The show was produced for Channel 4 and has since become a Christmas tradition, airing annually.
Briggs was also the author of the popular children’s novels Father Christmas and Fungus the Bogeyman.
His family said in a statement, “We know that millions of people throughout the world enjoyed and were impacted by Raymond’s works and will be saddened by this news. Raymond hung on the wall of his workshop a collection of drawings from fans, especially from children, inspired by his writings.
“He stated he felt fortunate to have had both his wife Jean and his partner of more than 40 years, Liz, in his life.
“He shared his love of nature with Liz on treks in the South Downs and family vacations in Scotland and Wales. He also shared his sense of hilarity and madness with his family and his family of artist friends – at gatherings, costume parties, and garden picnics.
He appreciated practical pranks performed on him and relished playing them himself.” All of us who were close to him were aware of his irreverent sense of humor, which could be cutting when addressing people in authority. He enjoyed the Guardian editorial in which he was referred to as an “iconoclastic national treasure.”
An exceptional legacy
Briggs, who was born in Wimbledon in 1934, attended Wimbledon School of Art and Slade School of Fine Art before briefly pursuing a career in painting.
After becoming a professional illustrator, he taught at the Brighton College of Art and worked there.
Throughout his career, he has won several awards, including the Kurt Maschler Award, The Children’s Book of the Year, and the Dutch Silver Pen Award. In 2017, he was awarded the CBE for contributions to literature.
Francesca Dow, managing director of Penguin Random House Children’s, stated, “I am quite proud that Puffin has published Raymond’s children’s books for so many years.
Raymond’s books are picture masterpieces that address some of the most fundamental concerns about what it means to be human, speaking with a remarkable economy of words and graphics to both adults and children.
She described him as “a superbly perceptive, hilarious storyteller, honest about how life is as opposed to how adults may like to tell youngsters about it.”
Kindness, honesty, and charity permeate all of his works, she noted.
Raymond was a generous, non-jealous personality who was a pleasure to work with, as well as to visit his Sussex cottage and experience his tickling genius in its abode. He was amusing! He gave us many laughs. He will be missed. Everyone who had the opportunity to work with him will miss him.”
Ms. Dow stated that Briggs was “unique” and had “influenced generations of a picture book, graphic novel, and animation producers.”
She continued, “He leaves behind a remarkable legacy and a large void.”
A “giant in the industry”
Rob Biddulph, an illustrator whose works include Dog Gone and Blown Away, praised Brigg’s impact on the profession.
He stated, “A titan in our industry and a unique individual.”
“The Snowman was an obvious work of brilliance – a game-changer not only in the field of children’s literature but in the world of literature in general. Thank you for motivating me, Mr. Briggs. RIP.”
Briggs received a lifetime achievement award from the Book Trust in 2017. The Book Trust was “devastated” to learn of his passing.
The author and illustrator of How to Train Your Dragon, Cressida Cowell, expressed her sorrow at Raymond Briggs’ passing.
“What a great legacy he leaves behind, from Father Christmas and the Snowman to Where the Wind Blows. His works gave so much happiness and inspired so much work that was compassionate, humorous, and devastating.
