bristol LIVES
“I love the strong sense of independence, inclusivity and creativity in this city” Holly Maguire Meet the Bristol-based illustrator with a fresh and distinctive style There’s something instantly nostalgic about Holly Maguire’s style. Is it the colours that make you think of childhood, or is it the simplicity and cleanness of the lines that gives it such an innocent feel? It makes us think of Judith Kerr and Clothkits, and … Okay, enough of the childhood reminiscing; let’s hear from Holly about living and working in Bristol
What are your earliest memories of Bristol?
Are you from Bristol?
My illustration work is made using gouache, pen and pencil and I work on a variety of projects from children’s clothing to puzzles, stationery and publishing. I also sell prints, pins and greetings cards in my Etsy shop and will be doing my first Etsy market on 30 November.
I am originally from Winchester but first moved to Bristol after finishing my degree in 2010. I have since lived in London for a few years but couldn’t resist moving back to Bristol this June. It’s my favourite place to be. What do you love about the city?
I love the strong sense of independence, inclusivity and creativity in this city. You can see it everywhere from the activism to the street art, and it makes me feel very proud to live here.
I first visited Bristol properly for a university day trip. I particularly remember hanging out by the harbour and making a group mural in Stokes Croft. When you think of Bristol what images come to mind?
Rows of beautiful pastel houses come to mind every time. Tell us about your work as an illustrator
What are your inspirations?
Nature, people, travel, feminism, fashion and animals, to mention a few. How did you get into it?
I have a very creative family
98 I BRISTOL LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk
so am lucky that I was always encouraged with my art. I think I first realised that I could be an illustrator when leafing through my collection of children’s books for the 1,000th time. It finally clicked that this was something people did for a living and I went on to study Illustration at Cardiff School of Art and Design. Where are your favourite Bristol hangouts?
I love the Tobacco Factory Market on a Sunday, and the Greenbank pub, particularly for their vegan pizza. In the summer, I am often found hanging out by the Arnolfini, and in the winter, I love the Christmas Steps pub. Where do you shop?
My favourite shopping area has to be North Street. It has a wonderful selection of independent shops and is great for gifts as well as charity and vintage shopping. For food shopping my favourite shop has to be Sweet Mart which is luckily very close to where I live. We hear you’re a runner. What’s your favourite Bristol running route?
I really enjoy running along the Bristol Bike path – but not at rush hour! I also love running around Werburgh’s Farm, particularly because I can stop and say hi to Penny the Pig and all her animal friends.
What would be your dream commission?
Oh, probably a book about animals, nature or cooking. Three of my favourite things.
We’d better let you get on. What are you up to this afternoon?
I’m currently painting the final spreads of a book that will be coming out next year. It’s all about people who love reading and collecting books (I am definitely one of these people). It’s been an exciting and really fun project to work on and I can’t wait to see it in print. Watch this space. Check out Holly’s work at www.hollymaguire.co.uk