Newhaven Artist Behind Harry Potter Book Cover Illustrations

Local artist's role in Harry Potter success

Cliff Wright, 63, is the artist responsible for the original cover illustrations of two books in JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. He created the artwork for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, published in 1998, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, published in 1999.

Wright grew up on the clifftops of Newhaven, where he still resides. He said growing up in the area inspired him to draw as a child.

Unexpected commission

When Wright was first approached to illustrate the second Harry Potter book, he did not foresee the global phenomenon the series would become. "It was just another job because," he said. "There was none of the Harry Potter hype that there is now."

Rowling provided feedback on Wright's illustrations throughout the creative process. The cover of Chamber of Secrets featured the iconic image of a battered blue Ford Anglia soaring through the sky towards Hogwarts, a scene instantly recognisable to millions of fans worldwide.

Extended artistic career

Beyond his work on the Harry Potter covers, Wright has spent many years teaching drawing and giving workshops around the world. In recent years, he has taken commissions for portraits in the style of his famous Harry Potter illustrations.

His artistic work has extended beyond book covers. He created a series of Christmas cards published for Greenpeace, including an illustration entitled "Some of us are Looking at the Stars". Wright also spent a number of years working on effigies for Lewes Bonfire Night, designing heads for figures displayed during the event.

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