Celebrating Fantasy Illustrators - John Tenniel

Let's celebrate the contribution to fantasy by our favourite illustrators! Today we start by taking a look at the grandfather of Oxford Fantasy Illustration: Sir John Tenniel, the illustrator behind the iconic Alice in Wonderland images. Listen in to find out about the unfortunate accident in his youth that he hid from his father, his extraordinary memory, and his artistic influences. Guess who was at his retirement dinner- it was quite the fantasy dinner party moment!

Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives, brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. In each episode, we embark on an exploration of the world of fantasy—both classic and contemporary. From the stories behind your favourite series to expert tips for aspiring writers, we dive into books, films, TV shows, and the creative process behind them.

Brought to you from the heart of Oxford—home to literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll—we continue the storytelling tradition in the very city where Narnia, Middle-earth, and even Wonderland took shape drawing on the city’s magical blend of ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to step into the Wardrobe with us into your next big adventure? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/ to learn more!