Andrew Strange – Artist

   THE ROBIN HOOD PICTURES

Friar Tuck

In the early ’80s, I wrote and illustrated a book entitled ‘ Tales of Robin Hood’.  From as far back as I can remember I was captivated by the stories of Robin Hood, and spent most of my time wandering, alone and with my friends through Bramfield Forest and the Mimram Valley – my own Sherwood. Matisse said words to the effect that you should only paint a picture if it was unbearable for you not to paint it.   ‘Tales of Robin Hood’ was exactly that.  As far as the actual stories go, I kept pretty close to the old legends, but in it’s style I gave the narrative a romantic and mystical flavour, with a picture for each of the 19 chapters. The book remains unpublished, but maybe one day – who knows?