Richard Kidd dies

The acclaimed artist and children's author Richard Kidd has died in a swimming accident in the Philippines.

Richard's first book was the self-illustrated ALMOST FAMOUS DAISY! in 1996, which was nominated for the Mother Goose Award for the most exciting newcomer to British children's book illustration. In 1998 he published the charming MONSIEUR THERMIDOR, given visual strength by the brightly coloured three-dimensional illustrations, assembled from salt-dough characters created and painted by his then wife Lindsey. In 2001 came a sequel, LOBSTERS IN LOVE: A WHIRLPOOL ROMANCE. He went on to write a series of thrillers (THE GIANT GOLDFISH ROBBERY, DEADLY FAMOUS, THE TIGER BONE THIEF and THE LAST LEG).

He was also a respected artist who had exhibited all over the world including the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco. He often travelled to remote locations for inspiration.

Born and raised in Tyneside, Richard studied fine art at Newcastle University and went on to exhibit at several galleries including the Stour Gallery in Warwickshire.

Richard leaves his partner Ailsa Lamble, his parents, two brothers, and daughters Rachael and Daisy by ex-wife Lindsey, with whom he remained on good terms.