David Rollo

David John McKee (1935-2022) was a British writer and illustrator, primarily recognized for his contributions to children's literature and animation. Born and raised in Devon, he developed his artistic skills at Plymouth College of Art, where he began selling cartoons to national publications. After college, he continued to draw for prominent magazines like Punch and The Times Educational Supplement to support his painting. His first published book, "Two Can Toucan," released in 1964, featured a unique toucan character. McKee later became known for creating enduring characters, most notably Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, whose books have achieved global success with millions of copies sold and translations into numerous languages. His creations were also adapted into stage plays and animated series. Beyond his own characters, McKee illustrated works by other authors, including some Paddington Bear books, and books written by his mother and son. He also utilized the pseudonym Violet Easton for some of his publications. McKee's work extended into film and television, with his characters forming the basis for popular animated series like "Mr Benn." He co-founded King Rollo Films, which produced various animations, including "Spot the Dog" and "Fimbles." He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award and an Honorary Doctorate from Plymouth College of Art. McKee passed away in April 2022 at the age of 87.

David McKee's artistic journey began in his youth in Tavistock, Devon. He pursued formal training at Plymouth College of Art, where his talent for cartooning quickly became apparent. Even during his studies, McKee was selling his single-panel cartoons to national newspapers, establishing an early income stream. Upon completing his art education, he continued this freelance work, drawing for well-known publications such as Punch, Reader's Digest, and The Times Educational Supplement. This period allowed him to support himself financially while also dedicating time to his painting. His inaugural book, "Two Can Toucan," published in 1964, originated from a story he had shared during his college years, showcasing his imaginative character creation from the outset.

McKee is celebrated for creating iconic characters that have formed the foundation of successful book series. His most famous creation, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, first appeared in 1968 and has since become a global phenomenon. The Elmer books have sold over ten million copies worldwide, been translated into more than sixty languages, and adapted into various media, including a stage play and an animated series. This character's widespread appeal has also led to a diverse range of merchandise. In addition to his original characters, McKee contributed his illustrative talents to books by other writers, notably some of the more recent Paddington Bear stories. He also collaborated with his family, illustrating books by his mother, Violet McKee, and his son, Chuck McKee. Furthermore, he published works under the pseudonym Violet Easton.

The reach of David McKee's work extended significantly into film and television. The BBC recognized the potential of his books for broadcast, leading to the development of the animated series "Mr Benn," based on one of his characters. This series, which first aired in the early 1970s, proved highly popular and was frequently repeated for two decades. McKee was also involved in creating films for the Save the Children fund and, with collaborators Clive Juster and Leo Nielsen, founded King Rollo Films. This production company was responsible for animated series based on the King Rollo books and produced other notable animations, including "Towser" and "Spot the Dog," as well as segments for the BBC's "Fimbles." McKee often took on a writing role in these projects.

David McKee lived between London and the south of France with his partner, Bakhta. They shared a mutual interest in collecting drawings and African tribal art. Throughout his distinguished career, McKee received several honors. He was awarded the Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis in 1987 and received a BookTrust Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, acknowledging his extensive body of work. He also earned an Honorary Doctorate of Arts from Plymouth College of Art in 2011. McKee was married to Barbara Ennuss, with whom he had three children. He was known for his personal tradition of sending handmade New Year's greeting envelopes to friends and relatives, often featuring thematic designs.