Why art critic Brian Sewell has written his first children’s book at the age of 83

 
New art form: Brian Sewell (Picture: Rebecca Reid)
Rebecca Reid
Louise Jury13 February 2015

Art critic Brian Sewell has written his first children’s book at the age of 83 - because he is concerned that the young lack curiosity.

The White Umbrella, which will be published next month, is inspired by the true story of a wounded donkey he was desperate to save when filming in Peshawar, Pakistan, 20 years ago.

“It was tiny and far too young to be carrying a load,” he said. “She was bleeding heavily from four wounds caused by loads on her back. My instincts were to take her.”

But, unlike his semi-autobiographical hero Mr B, he failed to help. As he acknowledges at the start of his book, it is “on my conscience still”.

He said the story of Mr B and the donkey Pavlova was in many ways a plea for an education “that encourages children to look about them and think, What is that? And why is that? And to be interested in things”.

He added: “I find young people - even in their twenties - have absolutely no interest in what is going on about them. I hope they will be encouraged to be curious about things.”

Debut: The White Umbrella, which is inspired by a trip to Peshawar 20 years ago

And Sewell, for many years the Evening Standard’s art critic, said he was pleased with the final result because “it makes no concession to children”.

“I’m really worried about children’s literature,” he said “It seems to me to be profoundly unserious. Children’s books are not introducing children to the great world of books.”

There is also another, sadder reason for the book. He was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, which left him unable to visit the exhibitions he loves. “I needed something to occupy my mind while I was enduring radio-therapy since illness is exceedingly boring,” he said. “I need to write that’s my problem. I don’t feel I’m alive unless I’m writing something.

“I needed something that would give me continuity, so I get up in the morning and go to my desk.” The illness is “still very rampant” he said, adding: “I have already sent quite a lot of my clothes to Oxfam because I know I will never wear them again. I’m trying to tidy up my life.

“But I don’t want my misfortunes to influence anybody. They should buy the book because they want to buy the book.” Sewell, who has published two memoirs as well as his art criticism, is now writing an essay on Michelangelo. “I regret not having written a book on Michelangelo,” he said.

“I always wanted to simplify his complicated life for people.”

The White Umbrella, with illustrations by Sally Ann Lasson, is published by Quartet Books, price £9.99.

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