Join us for a free reading and drawing workshop, with writer Michael Bird and illustrator Ella Beech.

Vincent is fed up with life in the grey city, but things are about to change! With the support of his loving brother Theo, Vincent sets off on a journey to the ‘Sunny South’. There he will discover new and inspiring places and make new friends. But will he be able to paint the picture of his dreams?

Written by Michael Bird and illustrated by painter Ella Beech, this book will immerse young readers in Vincent’s world and reveal his unique perspective as an artist - touching on a happy and creative period in Van Gogh’s life.

Michael Bird is a writer, broadcaster and curator. He is the author of the bestselling children’s history of art Vincent’s Starry Night and Other Stories and his books for adults include This is Tomorrow: Twentieth Century Britain and its Artists, Artists’ Letters: Leonardo da Vinci to David Hockney, and 100 Ideas that Changed Art.

Ella Beech is an artist and illustrator based in Cambridge, United Kingdom. She has a master's in children's book illustration from the Cambridge School of Art, was runner up in the Picture Hooks Competition 2021, and a finalist in the Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrator's Exhibition. Ella has worked as a designer and art director in children's publishing, and has a degree in fine art painting from the Winchester School of Art.

Workshop Outline

This free session runs from 10am - 11.30am. We will start with a 10 minute reading of the book by Michael, followed by drawing together with Ella.

Age: 4-10 years (must be accompanied by an adult)

Materials will be provided