Profiles

Korky Paul was born in 1951 in Zimbabwe into a family of seven children. He enjoyed a wild and privileged childhood in the African bush veldt - and read a lot of American comic books.

Perhaps that is where his passion for illustration began, but whatever the reason, his life has led him around the world and he has a recognisable style which has won many prizes. 

He has sold more than 3 million books worldwide in over 20 languages, but despite his fame remains a genuine, down to earth, family man.

Known only to himself as the 'World's Greatest Portrait Artist', Korky regularly holds drawing workshops at libraries, schools and museums to promote and encourage his passion for drawing.

An exuberant exhibition of children’s book illustrations by the internationally published artist has opened at The Mill Arts Centre in Banbury. His quirky characters have taken over the foyer gallery of the Spiceball Park venue with enchanting, loveable illustrations of characters including the much loved Winnie the Witch.

He has been a regular visitor to Banbury to give drawing workshops but this is the first exhibition he has held in the town.

But what about the man behind the magic? Jo Thoenes talked with Korky about his life and how it led him to Oxford…