Rodney Peppé
Rodney Peppé was an author, illustrator and maker of toys and automata. He studied art and illustration, worked in advertising, and published his first children's book, The Alphabet Book, in 1968. His characters Huxley Pig and Angelmouse moved from books to television, while he later wrote books about automata and mechanical toys. His work appeared in museum exhibitions, and he died in 2022.
Timeline
-
1959
An illustration diploma
He studies fine art and wood engraving at Eastbourne School of Art, then earns an illustration diploma at London's Central School of Arts and Crafts in 1959.
-
1964
A move to J Walter Thompson
He moves from the advertising agency SH Benson to J Walter Thompson in 1964, where he becomes an advertising TV producer.
-
1968
The Alphabet Book
Peppé publishes The Alphabet Book, his first children's book, in 1968. Across his career, he writes and illustrates more than 80 children's books.
-
1978–1983
A toy award and model
The British Toymakers' Guild awards him the Charles Bolton Cup for Toy of the Year in 1978. His 1983 Flying Basket is a model for The Mice and the Flying Basket.
-
1989–1999
Characters on television
His characters Huxley Pig and Angelmouse reach children's television: Central TV airs Huxley Pig in 1989 and 1990, and the BBC airs Angelmouse in 1999.
-
2002–2005
Books on automata
In 2002, he publishes Automata and Mechanical Toys, a short history of the subject featuring 21 contemporary makers. He follows it with Toys and Models in 2003 and Making Mechanical Toys in 2005, a craft book showing how to make 17 of his designs. The 2002 book traces the field from Hero of Alexandria through contemporary automata.
-
2018
A Compton Verney retrospective
Compton Verney mounts a retrospective of his work in 2018.
-
2022
The Storyteller at Falmouth
Falmouth Art Gallery hosts The Storyteller in 2022, with his models, drawings, books and characters. He dies in 2022.
Career
- Until 1964SH Benson
- From 1964J. Walter Thompson CompanyAdvertising TV producer
Education
- 1959Central School of Arts and CraftsIllustration diploma
- Eastbourne School of Art
Sources and credits
Photo: We have no published photo of Rodney Peppé yet. Send us a free-licensed photo.