Noddy illustrations

Enid Blyton’s ‘Noddy’ is one of the most recognisable icons in British culture. ‘Noddy’ began when David White, the managing director of the publishers Sampson Low and Co. was keen to begin a new series of books with Enid Blyton. His aim was to create a popular character for younger children with bright and colourful illustrations. The first book, Noddy Goes to Toyland was published in November 1949, with illustrations by Harmsen van der Beek.

The Noddy books immediately became very popular. Within months of Beek's first two books, newspapers and magazines were clamouring for 'Noddy' strips and the first Noddy toys and games appeared. The illustrative work soon becam so enormous that Beek could not deal with it all and a stable of artists were brought in to help him by the publisher, Sampson Low. It also ensured that after Beek's death in 1953, a continuity in the style of Noddy artwork could be ensured for the future.

Other illustrators of ‘Noddy’ include Robert Tyndall and Mary Cooper.