THE CREATIVE POOL

We meet some of the leading illustrators in the county who have created powerful, inspirational art to communicate a story, message or idea to their audience

- Holly Louise Eells

Nicola Metcalfe: Quintessentially British

“It’s the natural world that really floats my boat, if you’ll excuse the Thames pun,” says Nicola Metcalfe, an inspirational freelance illustrator and artist.

Describing herself as a “hapless mum to two teenagers” (her words not mine), she lives just over the river in Marlow but has strong connections with Berkshire. “Having lived here since I was four I try not to take this area for granted, especially the river and the abundance of woods,” she says.

“There really are some spectacular destinations. We appreciate our regular visits to Cliveden, but it’s only when you stop and think about it that you realise Cliveden’s lofty seat above the Thames is unsurpassable in terms of its beauty.”

Berkshire has influenced her beautiful work in some way or another and has become incorporated into specific commissions. “When Harry and Meghan were married, St George’s Chapel in Windsor stocked my Royal Wedding range – a collaboration with giftware company Temple Island,” she says.

“They also helped me develop giftware for countless tourist sights in London. On a local level, I have championed my home turf through my illustrations for some years – Marlow and Maidenhead, for example.”

She adds: “I am planning a Berkshire map along the lines of my Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire maps, highlighting architectural points of interest as well as some of the fascinating characters that have made their homes here.”