The World To Come Book Launch and Origins
3rd October saw the official launch of Emily’s new book The World To Come, from a beautiful story and song by actor-musician Johnny Flynn and bestselling author Robert Macfarlane.
The book has been hailed as an instant classic showcasing the beauty of nature, with wonderful read-aloud text that sings with a love of words and rhythm and stunning illustrations for a picture book filled with hope and wonder.
Artists and writers explore the Hackney Downs, the inspiration for the story.
Before we get to the launch, let’s backtrack a bit and explore the origin of the story and also see some of Emily’s sketches that began the process of creating the book.
A lyrical journey with a father (Johnny Flynn) and son who walk together through an ever-changing landscape and discover a world to come that's filled with hope. Their visits to a particular willow tree in the Hackney Downs inspired images and words that became a beautiful song and story.
Emily’s sketch of the longboat Johnny and his son passed on each visit.
Emily’s dog Mouse by the actual longboat.
Emily’s inspiration, as well as the beautiful, lyrical story, came from nature and the many birds, trees and other wonderful elements she observes on her walks.
Sketch for the tree, full of birds and colour…
…and the final illustration as seen in the book.
Emily’s sketchbook for the project is filled with pencilled swirls of tree limbs and water ripples; creatures of the earth and the air observing and becoming part of the story.
A final spread from the book shows how the sketches blossom into breathtaking colour and detail.
The Launch
Friends and press gathered on 3rd October for the book launch at Waterstones, Piccadilly for an evening of music and readings as well as displays of the book, which went on sale to the public. Johnny Flynn, Rob Macfarlane, friends and family all joined in with songs and merriment as the story was unveiled and the crowd gazed at the beautiful artwork.
Rob Macfarlane, Johnny Flynn, friends and family lead the musical celebrations.
The World To Come is now on sale in all good bookshops and online. Visit the SHOP section of the website to buy yours.
Final approval however, of course, goes as always to Emily’s faithful dog, Mouse.
Mouse Sutton, in Emily’s studio, presides over the final artwork.
