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In the Studio: Charles van Sandwyk

September 04, 2025

A few steps down a leafy lane, nestled between a forest and a deep inlet not far from Vancouver, lies Brandywine Cottage. Part rabbit warren, part hobbit hole, it is the home and studio of illustrator, artist and writer Charles van Sandwyk – and the place where he created the captivating illustrations for the Folio books of The Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland and How to See Fairies.

Like many Folio readers, van Sandwyk believes that children’s books are for children and adults alike. ‘They are magical, inventive and the sky is the limit. My drawings are always betwixt and between, neither one thing nor the other. That’s the magic of them.’

Van Sandwyk creates his fairytale worlds in three interlinked basement studios. In the smallest sits an 1870s etching press, originally used to create engraved stationery for Victorian ladies and gentlemen, which is used today to create the intricate etchings that can be seen in Folio’s limited edition of Alice in Wonderland.

In the next room along, van Sandwyk draws the images so loved by Folio readers. Walls are crammed with pictures and books from Beatrix Potter, Arthur Rackham and Albrecht Dürer, and shelves and surfaces overflow with the tools of his trade: Hunt Number 107 Crowquill Nibs, watercolours from L. Cornelissen and Son (‘the best art shop in the world’) and paper from Winsor and Newton.

In the largest room sits his assistant, Waisiki Doughty, who might be doing anything from bookbinding to marbling paper by hand. ‘When he marbles an exceptionally beautiful sheet, it always inspires me to run off and get my pen and paper and write something beautiful,’ says van Sandwyk. ‘I’m very much inspired by old materials.’

For van Sandwyk, illustrating The Wind in the Willows has been the fulfilment of a long-held desire. ‘I always think my drawings should be like a velvet cushion for the text, living in the presence of those great masters, but certainly not in competition with them. And, hopefully, people will smile when they see your drawings: they know that you aim to honour such beautiful words.’

Illustrations: © Charles van Sandwyk from The Wind in the Willows and Alice in Wonderland

Step into Sandwyk's illustrated world

Discover more of Charles van Sandwyk’s enchanting artwork – where every line invites you deeper into beloved stories.

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In the Studio: Charles van Sandwyk

Step into Sandwyk's illustrated world

Discover more of Charles van Sandwyk’s enchanting artwork – where every line invites you deeper into beloved stories.