Lauren Child

I am an artist, designer and author, best known for writing and illustrating books for children. These include the Charlie and Lola picture books and the Clarice Bean series; all explore what it is to be a child.

I nearly always work in collage, making my illustrations from what comes to hand: papers, photos, paints, pencils, pastels, pro markers and many other materials not always beginning with the letter P.

I first came to Hampstead Heath as a teenager, I was probably seventeen or eighteen – my North London boyfriend and I would come here to lie in the grass and kiss. It is a place that holds much of my life; different people, different activities, joy and sorrow. The trees grow and sometimes fall but the view of the city feels constant. It isn’t of course, but as you look across from Parliament Hill, the buildings new, and ancient – tiny in the distance create a familiar backdrop – hazy violet blue grey shapes merging into sky.

• Staring into Space website
• Milk Monitor website
• Instagram