Fulham Palace Cat Features in New Children's Book
Stories inspired by Edmund the resident feline
Picture: Jo Williamson
A new children’s book, entitled The Palace Cat inspired by Edmund, the Palace’s resident black cat is to be published.
The book follows Tom and Matilda’s adventures as they chase after the very real Fulham Palace cat. Tom, Matilda and Edmund meet plant-mad Bishop Compton, spot the thieves who stole Queen Elizabeth’s salt cellar and attends a garden party – where an emu runs amok!
Designer Suzan Aral worked with author Imogen White and illustrator Jo Williamson to create the concept, story and illustrations.
The goal for the book was to create a story that was engaging and exciting, would be both factual and entertaining and would invite younger visitors to explore the Palace again and again.
Suzan Aral, art director at ARAL ETC said, “From the very start, The Palace Cat was a joy to work on. With a project that involves an iconic London palace, time-travel, a queen, a cat and an emu - what’s not to like?!
“Working closely with the Fulham Palace team, we designed each page with great care so we could weave in as much visual detail as possible including long lost architectural features and finds from the grounds that are now on display in the Palace museum.”
The illustrator Jo Williamson said, “I couldn’t believe my luck when I landed the job of illustrating a picturebook for Fulham Palace as I’d always longed to illustrate one set in an historic building.
“Having visited Fulham Palace to meet the team, I imagined I would go back there several times to sketch the Tudor courtyard and all the other interesting parts of the Palace, but then ‘lockdown’ happened and I had to do everything from my studio at home. Luckily I had taken lots of photos and the team at Fulham Palace provided me with lots more information.”
Imogen White, who is the author said, “Writing The Palace Cat, and getting to step through time at Fulham Palace with a magical pussycat has been such a joy! The rich history and true events uncovered at the Palace made for a rip-roaring story – wonderfully brought to life by Jo Williamson’s fabulous illustrations. Best of all, I love how the real Palace cat, Edmund, can be found patrolling the Palace grounds today - in his role as chief mouser!”
The book will be available from Sunday 25 October from the Fulham Palace shop (both online and at the Palace).
To celebrate the launch, visitors can get 10% off the book by taking a completed family trail (available free at the museum entrance) to the Palace shop.
A small mouse is hidden on each page, and Fulham Palace are currently holding a competition on their social channels to name this cheeky rodent. The winner will be announced on the book’s launch date and will receive a signed copy of the book.
You shold also keep an eye out for upcoming events, including a guide to drawing Edmund the cat and Colenso the emu with illustrator Imogen White.
October 16, 2020