The Nights Before Christmas

About Tony Ross

Born in 1938 in Wandsworth, South London, Tony Ross never though about a career in art, but says he fell into it after his dream of being a cowboy disintegrated when a letter he wrote to John Wayne was never replied to.

After Liverpool College of Art, Tony became an art director at an Advertising Agency but after a particularly bad day in the office he gave up his job to go into teaching at Manchester Polytechnic.

His first book was published in 1976 and as well as his own, he has illustrated over 1000 books for authors such as Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Paula Danziger and Michael Palin, which are published all over the world. His series of books written with Jeanne Willis featuring the extra terrestrial teacher, Dr Xargle, has established a huge following of fans. As has his fantastic and fun illustrations in the Horrid Henry series. A TV adaptation of his much-loved Little Princess series is currently showing on Channel 5’s Milkshake.

Photo Credit @ Mark Guest