More great news for Grimm & Co as The Iron Man artist Chris Mould signs up as patron

Chris with (from left) Deborah, Louise and Sarah

MAGICAL storytelling charity Grimm & Co has been backed by another giant of the genre.

Author and illustrator Chris Mould has become the latest patron of the Rotherham literacy centre.

Halifax-based Chris is known for his illustrations in the likes of the Truth Pixie books by Matt Haig and The Iron Man by Ted Hughes.

He joins other famous names Paul Clayton, Abi Elphinstone, Joanne Harris, Ian McMillan, Sir Paul Collier, Jeremy Dyson and Mark Gatiss in championing Grimm & Co as supporters and patrons.

Chair of trustees Sarah Dunwell said she was delighted by Chris’s appointment, adding: “As a Yorkshire born, celebrated, award-winning author illustrator, Chris has a real connection to our mission, to change lives one story at a time.

“He will be a wonderful ambassador for our work and supporter of the charity.”

After visiting Grimm & Co on Doncaster Gate, Chris invited members of the team to visit his inspiring studio premises at Dean Clough Mill in Halifax.

Founding chief executive Deborah Bullivant, retail manager Sarah Brown and communications coordinator Louise Treloar pored enthusiastically over his original illustration journals, surrounded by Iron Man musings and fantastical illustrations of literary characters such as Alice in Wonderland and Truth Pixies, while Chris told stories of his journey as an artist.

Grimm is currently based in its self-styled apothecary to the magical in Rotherham town centre, which fronts the storytelling centre where thousands of children take part in workshops.

The charity was given planning permission in October to move up the road and make its new home base at Talbot Lane Methodist Church.

Deborah said: “We shared future plans of Grimm & Co’s next adventure and hopes for growth of Yorkshire's exciting story destination.

“It was so clear to me that Chris would be an incredible patron so I was overjoyed to see him so enthusiastic about the role.

“He and his work inspire children to write every day.

“I can't wait to work with Chris and see how his influence supports our story charity's exciting exploits on the horizon.

“The top-secret planning has already begun.”