'Raymond Briggs was born in Wimbledon Park, London, in 1934. His father, Ernest, was a Co-op milkman for over thirty years and was awarded a certificate when he retired. His mother, Ethel, was 'in service' for over twenty years but received no certificate. At the age of ten, Briggs passed 'The Scholarship' and went to the local Grammar School. Here he had daily speech lessons and learned to become middle class. After five years he was awarded 'The School Certificate'. At the age of fifteen he went to the local art school and after two years he was awarded 'The Intermediate Art Certificate'. After two further years studying painting he was awarded 'The National Diploma of Design (in Painting) Certificate'. He was then conscripted into the army where he attained no rank but was awarded a certificate saying 'Excused Boots'. He studied painting for two more years at the Slade School of Fine Art and here he was awarded 'The Diploma of Fine Art (London University) Certificate'. Since leaving the Slade in 1957 and failing as a painter, he has been a freelance illustrator, book designer and writer producing what are known as 'children's' books. For work in this field he has been awarded several certificates....'
