Poonam Mistry, author and illustrator of The Midnight Panther, is this year’s designer of the Books Are My Bag Limited-Edition Bag, which will be available exclusively in bookshops across the UK and Ireland from Bookshop Day on Saturday 14th October 2023. It’s an amazing initiative across the UK celebrating books and illustrations. Before her, Sir Peter Blake, Grayson Perry, Tracey Emin were all invited to design one as well.
Poonam Mistry is a freelance illustrator whose style incorporates her love of nature and explores the relationship between pattern, shapes and colour creating beautifully intricate works. Bought up around Indian fabrics, paintings and ornaments, she cites them as a source that heavily influences her work. She has collaborated with Penguin Random House, Tate Publishing and Hachette among many other top brands.
Poonam Mistry said: “Bookshops are wonderful and magical places that bring communities together and celebrate stories all around the world. I owe so much to booksellers and bookshops who do an amazing job championing all writers and artists. I hope everyone likes the design of the tote as much as I enjoyed illustrating it.”
Emma Bradshaw, Head of Campaigns at the Booksellers Association, commented: “Her illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the detail is exquisite. They are going to look wonderful in bookshops with their beautiful colours and patterns.”
Rush to your bookshop to get one!
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ART IS ALIVE 