AN illustrator who brought Harry Potter to life is holding an exhibition of his work.

Cliff Wright's creations graced the covers of the second and third books in the series: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The cover scenes as well as never before seen preparation drawings will make up a free exhibition at the Trading Boundaries gallery in Sheffield Green near Fletching until November 30. 

A bronze sculpture of the mythical Hippogriff as well as sketches showing the transformation to the final design will also be on show.

Cliff, 53, from Newhaven, said he had "no clue" Harry Potter would become so big when he was first approached.

He said: "I am ashamed to say it but when I was first approached it was just another job.

"I was overwhelmed when it took the world by storm. It is amazing the reaction it's had and it's great to be part of it. I think one of the main things is it has got more children reading and they show a real interest in drawing."

As well as the published works, visitors can see privately commissioned creations based on the stories, the original watercolour paintings which became the final book covers and other pieces from his career spanning 30 years.

Cliff, who also teaches people how to draw, is responsible for depicting one of the first images readers will have seen of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. But he said the text gave him little to go on.

He said: "The book doesn't tell us much about how Harry and the other main characters look.

"We know he has tousled hair which does not stay in place, a scar and glasses but that is pretty much it.

"I had to design him from my imagination. As soon as I read text I see images, I think very visually about everything. This is exactly how I pictured him.

"People ask me if I had any involving in the casting of Daniel Radcliffe to play Harry Potter in the films as he looks so like my drawings. I didn't, but it is nice to think my work may have inspired this."

Some of the artwork is up for sale.

Cliff will also talk to fans about his work at a preview tonight from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

He will also host a drawing workshop from 9am to 10.30am on Saturday, November 19.

To book call 01825 790200 or visit tradingboundaries.com/collections/tickets/products/cliff-wright-exhibition.

Factfile

  • More than 400 million copies of the Harry Potter books have been sold
  • The story has been translated into 68 languages
  • Original artwork was sold for more than £30,000 at auction
  • The Prisoner of Azkaban became the fastest selling book of all time
  • The series was given a commendation for the Carnegie Medal, won four Whitaker Platinum book awards and more than 10 others.
  • Cliff Wright illustrated the second and third books in the series, Thomas Taylor and Jason Cockroft illustrated the others.