Collection Spotlight – Jan Pienkowski

As Halloween approaches, there’s no better time to immerse ourselves in the mesmerising illustrations of Polish-born British author and illustrator Jan Pienkowski.

Renowned for his intricate silhouette artwork, Pienkowski transports readers into dark forests, moonlit nights, and haunted realms where witches, spirits, and otherworldly creatures roam freely—perfectly capturing the eerie essence of the season. Jan Pienkowski’s early life was deeply influenced by the rich tapestry of Polish folklore and the traditional art of papercut silhouettes known as wycinanki. The intricate patterns and bold contrasts of Polish folk art became a cornerstone of his style.

We’re lucky to have an original Jan Pienkowski illustration here at Seven Stories! Submitted as part of the ‘Journeys’ commission before our Visitor Centre first opened back in 2005, this captivating piece depicts a fairy tale castle on an island, populated with various real and mythical beasts. Bats and witches on broomsticks fly above, along with a helicopter and even Meg and Mog on a flying carpet!

Did you know that Pienkowski’s iconic silhouette style was born from a happy accident? Early in his career, while preparing a sample drawing for a publisher, he found himself unhappy with how he’d drawn the faces. In a bold, last-minute move, he inked them in completely – transforming his characters into striking silhouettes. The publisher loved it, and a signature style was born.

His collaboration with author Joan Aiken produced some of the most evocative illustrations in children’s literature. In collections like The Kingdom Under the Sea, Pienkowski’s black-and-white silhouettes intertwine seamlessly with Aiken’s enchanting tales. Each illustration is rich in narrative detail, depicting mysterious landscapes, ethereal creatures, and enigmatic figures that beckon readers into worlds where magic and reality blur.

Jan Pienkowski’s silhouettes are more than just illustrations; they’re gateways into worlds where the supernatural feels startlingly real. His depictions of witches soaring across star-studded skies, enchanted creatures lurking in the shadows, and landscapes teeming with otherworldly energy perfectly capture the essence of the Halloween season.

Beyond his work with Aiken, Pienkowski is celebrated for co-creating the beloved Meg and Mog series with Helen Nicoll. These tales of a kind-hearted witch and her cat have become bestselling favourites, delighting generations of young readers with their bold illustrations and playful adventures. His innovative pop-up books, such as the award-winning Haunted House, offered interactive experiences filled with spooky surprises – making them perfect reads for “spooky” season. But it’s his silhouette work – so perfectly suited for dark, supernatural stories – that stands out as ideal for Halloween reading. So as the nights grow longer, Pienkowski’s evocative illustrations invite us to explore the strange and magical worlds hidden in the dark.

The shadows are calling – will you answer?