Blue Plaque for Jill Barklem

The important contribution made to the literary and art world by author Jill Barklem through her Brambly Hedge childrens’ books has been recognised by Epping Town Council which has unveiled a blue plaque at one of her former homes.

Town Mayor councillor Michael Wright, who unveiled the plaque with Jill’s daughter, Lizzie, and son, Peter, said the plaque also highlighted her “special connection” with the town.

Jill Barklem was born Gillian Gaze at St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping, on 23 May, 1951. Her father owned Pynes department store, now Wildwood restaurant, on the High Street for many years. She died on 15 November, 2017.

The Barklem family lived in Buttercross Lane and then in Theydon Grove until 1987. Her last home was on Church Hill where the plaque is located.

In 1980, Collins published four picture books by Jill.

‘Spring Story’, ‘Summer Story’, ‘Autumn Story’ and ‘Winter Story’ chronicle in astonishing illustrative detail, the lives and adventures of a community of mice who live in ‘Brambly Hedge’, an idyllic spot where old values flourish and seasonal self-sufficiency is the order of the day.

Speaking at the plaque unveiling, Town Mayor councillor Michael Wright said: “Jill originally conceived the idea for Brambly Hedge in the 1970s during her long commutes on the London Underground from her home in Epping to study at St Martin’s School of Art in London.”

Intended for small children, the books were an immediate success with readers of all ages and the books have been translated into more than 13 languages and have sold more than seven million copies.

“We understand that the Brambly Hedge series feature recognisable parts of the town and often refer to the forest.”

Councillor Wright added: “Many people who live in Epping, like many around the country and the world, have enjoyed Jill’s Brambly Hedge creations. I am delighted to unveil this blue plaque to permanently commemorate the important contribution that Jill Barklem made to the literary and art world and to mark her special connection to Epping.”

Jill Barklem’s daughter, Lizzie, said: “I’m so very grateful that the Council has put up this plaque in recognition of her contribution to childrens’ literature and illustration.

She loved the town very, very much and Epping Forest was such an influential part of her research and her writing and it’s lovely it has been recognised and will be there for a very long time.”