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Edward says, ‘These drawings would like to be your friends. Put them on a desk or on a shelf – perhaps beside your bed – glance at them from time to time. Use them for inspiration. There is no corner of your life into which they cannot shine the torch of bright insight.’
Stationery
Featuring animals as well as distinctly animalistic humans, Edward Monkton books are highly collectable and stylish gift books ? Equally at home on a coffee table, in the bathroom, in quiet places or together places. They are perfect for giving to a loved one or for keeping for yourself. A Lovely Love Story describes a special kind of friendship between a fierce Lovely Dinosaur and a Lovely Other Dinosaur, who melts the heart of her clever but tough admirer. The two friends realise they fit together and complement each other perfectly ? and it's a reminder that our differences shouldn't be an obstacle to loving each other.
EDWARD MONKTON (GILES ANDREAE)
INTERVIEW WITH EDWARD MONKTON
Who is Edward Monkton?
By Zahra Shah
If the Shoe of Salvation, the Meaning of Life and the Penguin of Death mean something to you then you'll know who Edward Monkton is. These cult cards and a growing list of merchandise including mugs and books, is the brain child of one Edward Monkton. But who is he?
In fact, Edward Monkton is actually card designer Giles Andreae. If that name doesn't ring a bell, perhaps the name Purple Ronnie will. For fifteen years, Giles Andreae has been behind the phenomenon that is Purple Ronnie. The 38 year card designer who resides in Notting Hill started drawing under the name of Edward Monkton two years ago.
What made you go into card design?
GA: I really think cards are an excellent vehicle of communication. People like to use cards to express themselves. I like to write and draw to help people to express their emotions as you can pack a lot into just one page.
How did you get involved with your publisher "Really Good"?
GA: When it started, it was an experiment to see if I could venture into something different from Purple Ronnie. A friend owns "Really Good" and decided to give the Edward Monkton cards a go.
Where do your ideas and inspiration come from?
GA: I wish I could answer that. Genuinely it's a muse thing; I literally sit at my desk wait for the inspiration to come into my head. My ideas are very random.
What's your favourite piece of work to date?
GA: The book of the Pig of Happiness is my favourite. What's yours?
ZS: Well, I'd have to say it's the Shoe of Salvation, I really like it, its so me.
Lots of your work is very in tune with the female way of thinking. Where does that come from?
GA: Women like clothes and chocolate. These are fun vices and there are not many things in humour that women should and can be a target of.
What type of feedback do you get from you growing legion of fans?
GA: Lots of good feedback, more love than hate mail. Most people comment that my work is random and that is has a crazy sense of humour.
Do you think Edward Monkton cards will become the next Purple Ronnie?
GA: God forbid! It appeals to a very different audience, to those who like art and design and philosophy. They like its exclusiveness.
Any advise for any up and coming artists wanting to go into card design?
GA: Lots; when Purple Ronnie started it was different and unique and that's why it worked. Importantly I would advise anyone to write and paint from the heart. Also, it has to entertain you and you have to do what you think is wonderful.
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MONKTON GIFTS
GIFT SHOP OF THE YEAR 2005
