Creative
alliances do happen ... I really haven’t much interest in Harry Potter – except
as with all of us I followed along the extraordinary success JK Rowling has had
with her books ...
 |
| Poster c/o and available from The Printorium |
... seeing
the youngsters totally embrace Harry Potter, as too adults, and generally watching
that brand develop first with the books, then the films and all the spin-offs,
and now being absorbed into the all encompassing grasp of Disney/Warner
Brothers.
However
when I saw there was an exhibition of the graphic art work which appeared in
the Harry Potter Films – I decided this was something that would interest many
... so I ensured a visit was accomplished.
 |
| Coningsby Gallery |
Miraphora
and Eduardo met on the set of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and
immediately forged an alliance of creativity and humour, connecting them in
every design decision from then on. (MinaLima Design website).
They
spent ten years creating elements of the graphic design for the Harry Potter
films ... which are now reproduced as limited edition art prints.
 |
| Believe it or not this is the Marauder's Map artwork .. |
As
creators of the graphic representation of the Marauder’s Map, the Daily Prophet
and every other graphic prop in the film series, they have a superb and
passionate understanding of the Harry Potter films.
My ipone
photos cannot possibly do justice to their art work ... but the full details
can be seen at their website, where the prints can be purchased ...
...
each print is numbered, embossed and signature-stamped by MinaLima ... for
those of you interested in graphic art – and where you can see the quality of their
work ...
... as
Ian from Ian Visits – a website I pick up lots of information or places tovisit – announced this limited time exhibition ... and his site which contains a little more
detail and photos – as well as his comment that anyone interested in graphic
art would have loved to have seen these art works ... but a glimpse can be had
here – or over at the Printorium site.
Everything
is copyright to Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc ... but I just note it here for
good order!
But as is the way with connectivity ...
 |
| Hogwarts Express Ticket - digital print, metallic foil, edition 250, (30 x 40 cm) price unframed pounds 249, or framed at £329 |
How
many have been inspired to read through JK’s wonderful evocation of a magical
mystical world at Hogwarts ... the Princess says that ‘sitting in front of a book was really hard. Until I discovered Harry Potter and this
character, this 11 year old boy, who suddenly gets off to school for the first
time, capturde my imagination and suddenly reading was fun’.
 |
The
Princess is now the royal patron of the Helen Arkell Dyslexia centre charity –
how many of us know people with dyslexia and who struggle to read and write in
this day and age.
 |
| This poster is available from The Printorium.com |
Children’s books can inspire ... I’m certain I got hooked on reading through the fairy stories we had at home ... an interesting quote appears in The MinaLimaoriginal design collection:
Man’s Memory ...
is his private literature ... as designed by Mina
I went
to the Coningsby Gallery via the tube ... which I highlighted in my last post
on the 150th anniversary of the London Underground and its tile
signage ... appropriate for a graphic art connection ...
 |
| "Hagrid's Book of Teaching of Rare Creatures" ... not for sale and tucked away at floor level in the bookcase |
... I
would like to write more on the 150th anniversary of the London
Underground – which is on my ever lengthening list – as it is a very
interesting subject – and whoever thought I’d write about the London
Underground = not me certainly!
The
Lego tube maps are on display, see my previous post, and I’m glad a few of you
will be including a visit to see them, when in London ...
 |
| Specially designed labels in the same sort of detail that such a bottle would need in real life |
... yet
that connectivity once again ... Chanel’s ‘Lego’ bag is the hit of the season
... even at five thousand pounds (sterling) it is sold out!
The
plastic clutch resembling the famous building blocks ... bags the surprise hit of the summer fashion stakes ... childlike
accessories are certainly bringing the fun back into fashion – what do I know =
not a lot ... but few of us would have predicted the simple Lego
brick could have inspired such devotion.
 |
| Chanel's Lego bag |
Lego
are suitably surprised stating ... this
new clutch design featuring the bright colours and unmistakeable Lego block
shape is flattery in its sincerest form.
They are thrilled to see that their brand, that is typically synonymous
with children, is now inspiring innovative catwalk designs.
Referring
to my post on “nècessaires de beautéor minaudières” ... these tiny plexiglass limited collection
“Lego” bags seem to fall into a similar category – I wonder if the owner of the
Goldsmiths’ Collection will snap some of these up too ...
The magical wizardry threads of building blocks will lead us in all directions ... I just need to clutch this post together - or is that a reference too far .. probably!
The Harry Potter Page to Screen set on Amazon.
The magical wizardry threads of building blocks will lead us in all directions ... I just need to clutch this post together - or is that a reference too far .. probably!
The Harry Potter Page to Screen set on Amazon.
The magical wizardry threads of building
blocks will lead us in all directions ... I just need to clutch this post
together – or is that a reference too far ... probably!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
54 comments:
I thought I was the only person in the world who hadn't read a Harry Potter book or seen a movie ! But apparently I am not an exception. This exposition was certainly interesting also for me. I have seen the Pub in Edinburgh where she started to write her first book because she had no money to pay her heating !
IF you do write about the London Underground, I hope you'll mention Neil Gaimon's story: 'Neverwhere', a fantasy tale that I read while in Paris (picked up at the airport). It's an interesting tale, especially re the names of the station stops.
I can't see the attraction for that LEGO purse, but guess Chanel likes to appeal to child-like women who can't let go of their toys. I wonder what Coco Chanel would have thought of this design. It's certainly anything but elegant.
You do find interesting topics, Hilary, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on these gallery shows. Very interesting.
I guess I am a Harry Potter fan although I have only read one book, but I have seen most of the movies.
Purse doesn't appeal to me either, but we can't all be alike.
I can't believe I've never read the books or seen the movies. I'm not opposed, I just never have. Not sure why. I will someday though.
I had to read Harry Potter. Every kid in my family wanted to hear the story out loud. That's one of our pleasure--reading aloud or telling stories.
As to the Lego bag, I'm not inspired. But maybe I just don't like green. :-)
I'd love to hear about the underground's history.
A Lego bag - but of course!
That's great the Harry Potter books inspired the princess to read. Whatever gets kids to read is fine by me.
Ironically, I've never read them, although I have seen all eight films.
"The magical wizardry threads of building blocks will lead us in all directions" is so true. Where there is imagination and any kind of building blocks, things are built.
I can't say that I'm a huge fan of the Harry Potter books, but I think JK is a genius writer.
I love books and Harry Potter was one of my favorites I didn't miss one movie either.
I think these are all fine movies for kids to watch.
What is life without a bit of fantasy. Right?
I do not care much for Harry, but I did read the first book. However, I do agree that children's books are very inspirational to many. My dislike of the series is my personal problem. This seems to be the level of reading done by today's university students. They will never expand their horizons if they only expose themselves to children's literature. The post and the photos are terrific! Cheers.
My Harry Potter was The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and subsequent titles after! I love that JK Rowling continues such a great tradition of books that inspire all and sunder! I remember getting to the end of The Philosopher Stone and reading extracts of children's letters to JK - letters full of joy and wonder at HP!! Brilliant!
Lego as a channel bag?!?! LOL! That's totally amazing! Take care
x
The art that went into creating the setting for the movies is pretty impressive.
I loooooove the Potter books. The films are great too but I still haven't seen the final film.
Still remember my favorite book from childhood, "In a old house in Paris that was covered in vines, lived 12 little girls in two straight lines." And years later when I actually went to Paris, those words came back to me. The Harry Potter books are wonderful and will certainly become classics. As for the Legos purse, hmm, even in another color, not good.
Harry Potter has brought children back to reading like no other character has ever done. Lovely that you could see all this art work, Hilary. A very creatively inspired post, and the lego is fantastic too.
I've read the series -- twice -- and have seen most of the movies, but I have no interest in memorabilia associated with Harry Potter or any other sort of entertainment, including sports. Art prints, on the other hand, do interest me, though not as collectables.
Interesting information, as always, Hilary
Take care! ... Mike.
@ Gattina – I almost fall into your category .. yes I remember JK writing in a cafe/pub in the early days ...
@ DG – I hadn’t thought about the Neil Gaiman connection (because I didn’t know about it) ... and I’ll have to see – I have some information on the tube names already .. who knows what I’ll write ... probably more historical.
It seems you’re amongst friends – me included – re the Lego bag – a gimmick ... but the ‘selfies’ are garnering it in – except it’s sold out.
Thanks re the topics .. they make my life more interesting too ...
@ Jo – I tried one book and probably never allowed myself to get into the story properly ... and enjoy the movies, but only if there’s nothing else around .. or I join in with others ..
Another ‘no’ to the Lego purse ...
@ Keith – I am sure your supposition is correct – you’ll find yourself seeing a film somewhere along the line ...
@ Lee – certainly reading the books out loud make so much sense ... and I can see the pleasure ..
You know green isn’t my favourite colour in clothes etc either .. yet this was the ‘brashest’ photo I could find .. so we got a green lego brick for a bag!
Ok .. Underground history coming up sometime ..
@ Alex – your comment is spot on ... as is the rest of the comment – interesting you haven’t read the books, yet seen all the films – perhaps that makes sense!
@ Teresa – kids have wonderful imagination don’t they ... I love what my blog has done for my creative mind ...
JK does seem to have inspired many in so many ways ...
@ A Lady’s Life – I can see the appeal ... the children seem to love the Harry Potter films and all merchandise ... and as you say what is life without fantasy ...
@ JJ – I’m like you I ended up scan reading to the end of the first book ... not being university educated, I can’t pass comment ... except to say it’s quite interesting to see the analyses of various books .... glad you enjoyed the post too ...
@ Old Kitty – yes Daniel Radcliffe and the other main actors have had great success in their film lives ... and you’re obviously a great fan, as many are ..
the Lego bag – is just one of those funny things that seem to be created in this day and age ..
@ Holly – every time I write about graphic art or typefaces I think of you! I would love to be more artistic and more appreciative and understanding of art – but by posting I learn a little ...
@ Karen – you and many others love all things HP ... it was interesting to see these creations ... lots of people were popping in to view ...
@ JoJo – that’s wonderful and obviously you must see the last film sometime soon?! Enjoy it when you do ..
Cheers to you all ... thanks for coming by - Hilary
@ Tasha – I had to look up your quote ...
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines
Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines
In two straight lines they broke their bread
And brushed their teeth and went to bed.
They left the house at half past nine
In two straight lines in rain or shine-
The smallest one was Madeline.”
― Ludwig Bemelmans, Madeline
I see it was made into a film in 1998 ... I’ll have to investigate further ..
It’s fun finding out those that love the HP films, and those who are ambivalent ... I guess those of us without kids perhaps don’t appreciate the books so much ...
My choice of a lime green Lego ‘bag’ is obviously not my best choice!
@ Val – I couldn’t agree more ... from what I understand – and anything that helps the children read and write is to be applauded ... thank you re your comment and so pleased you enjoy the Lego bag ...
@ Mike – gosh .. you’ve read the books twice .. and I’ve never sat through a movie .. seen the odd one on tv ...
You obviously aren’t keen on a Brit winning Wimbledon then!
These art prints looked beautiful – but I wouldn’t want one ... but I was so pleased to be able to see them and put a post up ...
Thanks Mike – appreciate the comment ...
Cheers to you all ... and good to see you .... Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Although not a fan of J.K Rowling's work, I do admire her tenacity and dedication.
Perhaps, controversially, I don't consider her writing particularly original. And Harry Potter reminds me of one of my true heroes, Billy Bunter!
As for Lego, it fits in very with your posting.
A pleasant day to you and try to stay cool.
Gary
Hilary,
I haven't read Harry Potter, but I am in favor of anything that gets children to read, entertains grownups, and passes on some good lessons without preaching. Amazing, the things that J K Rowlings accomplished with those books - and, per her American editor, who wrote a wonderful book abut writing and editing, she had worked out the entire story line before she set pen to paper.
I do love the book with the teeth...
...And thank you for another enjoyable foray!
I'm fascinated by all things Harry Potter and all things J.K. Rowling, so thanks for this informative post, Hilary.
Very interesting - and I have to agree with you - I have not gotten into Harry Potter either. Just never ever liked it. sandie
@ Gary - I'm not educated enough to be able to compare her writing to others .. and the only Billy Bunter I know of ... is from the tv series that I enjoyed as a youngster.
However JK has you say a great deal of tenacity to get her story into print ..
Thanks re the Lego - just a fun adjunct ...
@ Diana - oh I'm glad I'm not alone .. but like you anything that gets children reading is wonderful ...
Apparently her planning, as you mention, is exemplary - and her notes on her work have been interesting to see .. though perhaps since I've been blogging I'd have more interest now ..
Glad you like Hagrid's Book of Teaching ..
@ Patricia - well this post will have given you a fun read .. I'd like to hear JK give a talk sometime .. to summarise her writing life ... I expect I'm late to that party ..
@ Sandie - I wonder if your grandson would enjoy the HP books ... I only really know about them from godchildren ...
Cheers to you all - another hot day here in England land! Hilary
I think I'll read those Harry Potter books one of these days. A woman I used to work with would get in line at midnight to buy the latest one and then run in her house to read it. I love hearing the effect it had on Princess Beatrice - very brave of her to speak about that, too.
Love that Lego purse!
There are a few children's books that I still love to read...Dr. Seuss's stuff never fails to amuse me...and there are a few that are classics to my family.
Do I ever remember my three kid's obsession with Lego...especially when my daughter successfully built a pirate ship that was like 2 feet tall. :)
You manage to combine the most unlikely subjects in a breathtakingly cheeky way.
I am glad something worthwhile came out of Harry Potter, I never read a book and saw one film. I admit that the film was fun, great special effects and lots of hamming.
It’s too hot for me, I’m already complaining. Grouch, that’s me.
wohoo! I looove this post. Especially because I love all things harry potter!
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
@ Lynn - I simply couldn't get that addicted ... but I'm not that way inclined ... but I know people and particularly children who did.
It's good that Dyslexia is highlighted - and can be overcome ..
Glad you enjoyed the Lego purse ... seems not many have!
@ Talon - I don't know Dr Seuss's books - I've seen them .. but not having children - that part of life has passed me by! We used to read Winnie the Pooh ... et al ..
What an amazing daughter - a pirate ship - did she love Peter Pan too? - gosh I really struggled to build things with Lego - and admire anyone who can ... No wonder you support Lego ...
@ Friko - I'm afraid I do seem to ...
But it's good that JK's books have helped many ... and the films creators must have had a great deal of professional fun - these art works are amazing ..
I've just been to Oxford - and it is too hot! I agree - I'm glad to be back with the sea breeze! But I hope we don't lose the decent weather soon ..
@ Nutschell - hey great - a major supporter!! Glad you obviously enjoyed the post ..
Cheers to you all - it is still wonderful weather - Hilary
My son so loved playing with legos and would play for hours and hours with them.
He also was a big Harry Potter fan!
All grown up now.
I loved the Nancy Drew books when I was a young girl.
Very interesting post, enjoyed all of it.
Thank you :)
Wonderful, Hilary, that kids are inspired to read by the Harry Potter books. Anything that gets a child to read is okay with me. I read the first two books in the series and loved both. The story became repetitive after that, so I didn't continue, but enjoyed the writing.
Great example with the young princess who read despite her dyslexia. That is, I suppose, what a good book should be designed to do. Thank you for sharing your exhibit experience with us.
@ Margie - I think all little boys and hearing about Talon's daughter - little girls too ... loved playing with Lego ..
Harry Potter seems to be enduring .. I have friends who loved Nancy Drew - I don't think I came across her as a child ..
Thanks for your comment ..
@ Sylvia - the HP books certainly got children talking and then learning to read - there was a big spin off ... I'm not good at repetitive story lines - so can agree there ..
I hadn't realised Princess Beatrice couldn't read .. but then I was abroad ... at least she stands up and is counted now as a Dyslexia sufferer ...
Glad you enjoyed seeing the iphone photos!
Cheers to you both - glorious weather still - I'm just so enjoying it!! Hilary
I enjoyed reading and seeing all the creative energy in this post. Just as Lord of the Rings here in NZ generated amazing creative spin-offs, so have the Harry Potter movies it seems I love the lego bag - so inventive. Thank you Hilary for these delights.
Oh, I ADORE those books. I like the movies, but mostly just because they remind me of the books and I've grown fond of the actors over the years. My daughter was the perfect age for me to expose myself as they first came out and I fell immediately in love--have reread them MANY times. They really are what got me writing again--I tried my hand at some fan fiction and had enough people encourage me that I decided to really do it. (I'd had a lot of false starts before that, but had never finished anything)
Hilary,
I love how you combine different things together and make a whole new dish of delight. I enjoyed the Harry Potter graphics and your story about the partnership that created them. I'm copying the link to this post to send to my eldest. She's a great fan of Harry Potter.
I also enjoy the lego purse:~)I used to love my kid's legos. They were so much fun to play with.
You sound like you're having a busy, but fun summer. Enjoy:~)
Oh, the "Man's Memory" quote was great.
Hi Hilary. I never cared for Harry Potter, but I do enjoy children's books.
My four-year old daughter learned to read when she was two. Now she devours books and we have fun browsing and reading books together at the library.
Lovely post.
@ Juliet - I can imagine and saw many of the spin-offs coming out of the Lord of the Rings in NZ ..
I'm so pleased you enjoyed the Lego bag .. Chanel being clever, I think and it seems to have worked ..
@ Hart -how lovely to see you .. I'm sure if I'd had a daughter of the right age .. I'd have been totally hooked ..
The actors still feature don't they .. with Daniel Radcliffe becoming particularly successful - their names are instantly recognisable ..
... what is interesting is your comment that you got back into writing after reading the HP books - isn't it fascinating what stimulates and inspires us ..
Good for you - and for now being an author with books on the go .. congratulations.
@ Sara - many thanks - the Gallery is in Tottenham Street, off Tottenham Court Road .. while the MinaLima team work nearby .. I hope your daughter enjoys the links ..
I can imagine you with a Lego purse .. but five thousand pounds is a little much!
I am having a fun summer and especially now we've some fine weather ..
Glad you enjoyed the quote on "Man's Memory" ..
@ Julia - like you I couldn't really get into them .. but I didn't have children, like you at that stage - I wonder about your daughter when she's a few years older ..
Wonderful memories to have of time spent at the library with your little one ... reading and looking and creating images = fun.
Cheers to all - they said we'd have a blip with the sun .. I hope she decides to reappear shortly .. not too chilly though - Hilary
As a writer for children I know I should have read all the Harry Potter books but I only read the first one. Not sure if it was because I'm not really into that kind of fantasy novel or if I was so consumed with a disgracefully shameful jealousy at her success. Those prints look fascinating though and I wouldn't mind going to see that exhibition.
I should have guessed from the title; you have a lot in this post. Where to begin?
Our youngest son Joe. was behind in the books he needed to read for 3rd or 4th grade. They read those little 1/4-inch thick books then. Maybe it was 2nd grade. My husband got him the first Harry Potter book and started reading it out loud with him, taking turns. Joe took over and read it in record time.It's a real service JK provided to many of us.
I love learning about anything underground. I'll have to check out the anniversary post.
And the lego maps? Having trouble visualizing that one.
Cheers.
That Lego bag certainly is...interesting. Certainly something I would never want, though.
The art collaboration was a really neat thing to learn about. I'm fascinated by all the work that goes into making movies.
Great stuff here.
Tina @ Life is Good
Hilary, the exhibition look really interesting, I love looking at the artwork of others and find it really inspiring. JK's journey and her determination is also an inspiring story. Blessings for the weekend. Amanda
Thanks for all of this! Ah, the Lego purse.... I kind of like it!
This is a great post. Harry Potter has indeed changed a generation.
www.modernworld4.blogspot.com
I'm a big Harry Potter fan. Seeing all these things is great! I love that the books have inspired so many people.
I've watched all the Harry Potter films a dozen times with my grandchildren. I mean to read the books one day. Need more hours in the day!
Hi, Hilary!
@ Tina - I quite agree .. the Lego back is not worth it!
I meant to put in the reference to the Amazon package "The Complete Film Making Journey" on the HP series .. I'll do that in today's post ..
@ Amanda - so lovely to see you - and you must be so inspired artistically by so much art in London. Your own work is so creative ..
I hope we all have a wonderful sunny weekend .. sounds like it ..
@ Betty - fabulous to see you .. you'd fit in with the Lego purse right now .. yours is a wonderful story ..
@ Gina - good to see you too .. JK inspired many with her wonderful character Harry Potter ..
@ Christine - thanks .. I'm glad I posted the iphone pictures .. it was so interesting to see .. and that exposure to books inspiring the youngsters ..
@ Joylene - ah one of the constant repeats .. let's watch this film Granny now you're here .. Mulan was the one I got to watch excessively!
Enjoy the books, when that time frame comes round .. yes Hi back!!
It looks like we might be in for a scorcher weekend .. so have very happy weekends everyone .. cheers Hilary
Hi Ros and Chrstine .. I check-mated myself there ... I saw the "cheers" from you Christine and thought that was the end of my last comment - then of course remembered both your comments!
Ros - difficult one isn't it .. as I can see both your points of view - and I love your way of putting it .. "disgracefully shameful jealousy at her success" - I can see from your writerly head .. it is still (I guess) a little frustrating!
@ Christine - I know sorry - just bringing to light a few snippets of interest.
It's interesting about your son Joe - and how he took to JK's story telling of the young lad Harry Potter .. I love hearing these stories.
I have to write the London Underground anniversary post .. when? I have no idea!
I see you went back to my previous post - so I guess you saw the Lego tube maps ..
Thanks so much for the interesting comments and additions to the conversation - lovely to read .. Cheers Hilary
Sorry I haven't dropped by for a while. Too much writing and not enough blogging... Wait, that's the right way around, isn't it? :-)
I got quite caught up in the Harry Potter series. In fact, it still remains the only series I've ever read.
Oh my goodness. I can't wait to show my boys the Lego Leg. I went to OT school. They are creative and amazing people.
@ Annalisa - yes I believe for writers it is the right way round .. I know you're doing quite well with your edits etc ..
Interesting the people who did just love the series .. I should try again sometime, when I'm less bustling around!
@ Ciara - the Lego leg is incredible isn't it - and your boys will perhaps try to emulate it ..
Interesting you went to OT school - I guess you have to try so many ways of doing thing and always keep that positivity going ..
Great to see you both - cheers Hilary
I'd love to see the Harry Potter art exhibit!
Hi Theresa - it was very interesting - but as my friends said the art work is all over the Harry Potter studio tour - the latest Harry Potter attraction .. at the grand price of 29 pounds .... seems a little high.
But I'm glad I got to see this somewhat smaller, less hyped exhibit for free!
Cheers Hilary
Aloha Hilary!
I only have one thing to say (for now :)
I love, love LOVE your new profile picture :)
It is *wonderful* and so much like I imagined you in "real life."
(The old one had you appearing to be quite cross - but you have such a huge, generous and positive heart that I know you're not so :)
Happy Weekend :)
Hi Mark - big THANK YOU!!
I knew the photo wasn't brilliant - but only just got round to changing it .. I do not like having my photo taken ... and when I set the blog up .. Mum was quite seriously ill - so I just had to get a photo ..
Been meaning to changing it .. looks like it's come out right!
Really appreciate you picking up on it .. big hugs - no it's too warm! Your words are so warming too - very generous of you ..
Cheers with a cool long Hawaaian drink ... Hilary
I love Legos. I have to find my Legos. Anyone can buy Legos. My challenge is to create with only the pieces I find when I go treasure hunting.
Hi Timothy .. sorry it's taken me so long to rescue your comment .. appreciate you stopping off.
Treasure hunting for lego - mind you it is in major revival at the moment over here ... everyone is building with lego.
I guess you end up with some funny creations - do you make yourself use each piece you find on each hunt?
Good to see you - cheers Hilary
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