Jill Barklem

Jill Barklem (born Gillian Gaze; 23 May 1951 – 15 November 2017) was a British writer and illustrator of children's books. Her most famous work is the Brambly Hedge series, published from 1980.

Early life Jill Barklem was born as Gillian Gaze in Epping on 23 May 1951. She was the daughter of John and Ivy Gaze, who ran a family-owned department store in the town. She was educated at Loughton High School. When she was 13, she had an accident which resulted in a detached retina. As such, she was unable to take part in PE or games at school and instead developed her talent for drawing and art. On leaving school, she studied illustration at St Martin's in London. These four were originally released as individual volumes in a miniature format. She wrote four more for the series, the last being published in 1994.

Barklem's books became immensely popular, selling over seven million copies worldwide and printed in over 13 languages. The Brambly Hedge characters went on to feature in merchandise, such as cards, Royal Doulton china, and a stop-motion animated series, The Enchanted World of Brambly Hedge (1996 to 2000). (Illustrator) Primrose In Charge (2006) "In the spirit of Jill Barklem" Alan MacDonald (Author), Lizzie Sanders, botanical artist

Other Activity and "Toy and Moveable" books, include Primrose's Adventure (Brambly Hedge Sliding Pictures) and Wilfred's Birthday Sliding Pictures; some board books, such as House for a Mouse, Nice for Mice, and The Snow Ball; and Poppy and Dusty's Wedding.