A delegation from Italy joined the Mayor of Farnham and the family and friends of renowned illustrator, artist and author Pauline Baynes in October. The gathering was for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in honour of Pauline Baynes on the wall of Notable Names in South Street.
The ceremony honoured Baynes’ remarkable contributions to children’s literature, including her iconic illustrations for the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
Born in Hove, East Sussex in 1922, Baynes spent her early years in India, where her father worked as a commissioner in the Indian Civil Service. She later returned to England, attended Beaufort School in Camberley, and studied at Farnham School of Art before continuing her education at Slade and Oxford. Her ambition to illustrate children’s books led her to collaborate with Tolkien on Farmer Giles of Ham, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit. Her work also captured the imagination of C.S. Lewis, resulting in her unforgettable illustrations for The Chronicles of Narnia series.
Before unveiling the plaque, the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Brodie Mauluka said: “This week is the 75thanniversary of the publication of Farmer Giles of Ham by Tolkien which Pauline Baynes illustrated so we felt that the timing of this unveiling was very fitting.
“Pauline’s plaque is the thirty-third on the Notable Names wall which is dedicated to those who have achieved great things in Farnham or who have come from Farnham and achieved great things elsewhere.”
The Mayor invited Alberto Ceccatelli who is the custodian of many of her works to join him for the unveiling along with members of Pauline’s family.
Guests were later welcomed back to the Town Hall for a reception.
Pauline Baynes lived in Dockenfield for many happy years with her late husband. She died in 2008.
