LONDON.- Images 36: Best of British Illustration exhibition presents the winning work of over 50 artists from the length and breadth of the UK who entered the Association of Illustrator’s annual flagship competition, Images. Following on from its successful London launch at the prestigious Somerset House, it is now set to go on national tour through 2012/13 with Blackpool & Fylde College being the first venue to host the exhibition on 12th November 2012.

The exhibition features exciting new talent and established names such as Rod Hunt (Where’s Stig?), Chris Haughton (Booktrust best new illustrator), Lizzie Mary Cullen (Design Week’s 50 Hot people), Stephen Collins (Jonathan Cape/ Observer Graphic Short Story Prize, 2010), Steve May (shortlisted for British Animation Award, 2008) and Olaf Hajek (AA Directors Club, Europe Gold Award, 2003). It also showcases the gold, silver and bronze award winners from each of the eight competition categories (Advertising, Books, Children’s Books, Design, New Media, Editorial, Self-Promotion and New Talent).

The winners were selected by a specially chosen jury who represent all aspects of the industry including agents, publishers and artists. Internationally acclaimed artists such as Noma Bar and David Foldvari are amongst this year’s judges alongside Art Directors from Guardian G2, Granta Publications, Hodder & Stoughton and Random House, as well as Creative Directors from leading design and digital agencies.

To coincide with the exhibition, an accompanying book Images 36: Best of British Illustration 2012 will also be launched. The book brings together the shortlisted 350 artworks and profiles from 240 illustrators, including those featured in the exhibition, as well as an editorial section with a series of specially commissioned essays by cultural commentators. Images 36 provides a comprehensive and stimulating overview of the creative range and varied application of illustration today in all its forms.

The tour venues confirmed so far include:
Blackpool & Fylde College - 12th Nov – 14th Dec 2012
Swansea Metropolitan University - 11th Jan – 8th Feb 2013
Middlesex University - 25th Feb – 7th April 2013
University for the Creative Arts, Maidstone - 15th April – 26th May 2013.

Images is the flagship programme for the promotion of contemporary British illustration produced by the AOI since 1976. It is the only independent, jury-selected illustration competition in the UK.