The World of Martin Brown

Explore the films to learn more about the inspirational career of illustrator Martin Brown

Contains an image: Three Horrible characters by Martin Brown

© Martin Brown

Early Years: A Cartoonist’s Journey

Watch to learn about Martin’s journey from doodling schoolboy to fledgling children’s book illustrator.

Humorous cartoon illustration of a dolphin on a game show panel. As two other competitors reach for their buzzers, it shows that the dolphin can't reach his buzzer with his flipper.
Design for Greetings Card, c. 1985.
Black and white illustration of two people sat on a desert island. One is shown greeting the fish in the sea, the other is presented with a speech bubble, that reads, 'I've always resented his ability to make friends.'
Unpublished Portfolio Cartoon, c. 1985.

Horrible Histories: Time-Travelling With Ink

Discover how Martin came to be the lead illustrator for Horrible Histories, working alongside author Terry Deary to create one of the best loved children’s book series ever published.

Cover design that shows a cartoon man and woman in period Georgian dress, and a silhouette of a person on horseback brandishing a gun. A speech bubble from the silhouette reads, 'Stand and deliver, your money or your wig!'
Cover Design for The Gorgeous Georgians, 1998.
Cover Illustration for Horrible Histories Two-in-One Book: Vicious Vikings and Measly Middle Ages, 2009.

Dragons, Animals and Cave Bears: Imaginary Expeditions

Learn more about the work Martin has produced alongside illustrating the Horrible Histories series, including recent books Lesser Spotted Animals and Nell and the Cave Bear, which he has both written and illustrated.

Illustration of large dragon, on the right, breathing fire at two knights on horseback. One knight's jousting stick is burnt at the end, the other knight is running away.
Illustration for The Dragon’s Dentist, written by John McLay, 2014.
Illustration of a black furred monkey, Celebes Crested Macaque, with his hand raised.
Celebes Crested Macaque from Lesser Spotted Animals, 2016.

An exhibition of Martin’s work, titled ‘Martin Brown: Horrible Histories and Other Dazzling Drawings’, took place at The Museum of Somerset from 24 July to 32 October 2021.

    • Horrible Histories® books are published by Scholastic Ltd. Horrible Histories is a trademark of Scholastic Inc. and is used under authorisation.  All rights reserved. Illustration © Martin Brown.
    • Lesser Spotted Animals is published by David Fickling Books 
    • The Dragon’s Dentist is published by Hachette UK
    • Nell and the Cave Bear was released in September 2021 and is published by Bonnier Books
    • All images ©  Martin Brown 




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