Jolyne Knox - Famous Five illustrations

[pete9012S]

1979 Hodder & Stoughton, illustrations by Jolyne Knox, cover from 1st TV Series

1. Jolyne Knox - Five On A Treasure Island (1979)

https://imgur.com/a/6lQq1z5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


2. Jolyne Knox - Five Go Adventuring Again (1979)

https://imgur.com/a/qc701mK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

3. Jolyne Knox - Five Go To Smuggler's Top (1979)

https://imgur.com/a/2K50g1L" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Being honest, I cannot say I have ever been inundated with requests to see more of the 1979 Jolyne Knox illustrations.
I don't suppose Tony has either. I think it was just one poster (Farwa) who said they liked Jolyne's artwork the best...

But, it's hard to believe even these 'newer' type of internals are now over forty years old!
I will post what I have here in order.

If anyone has Jolyne Knox books and is able/would like to take a pic/scan of the illustrations I will be happy to include them all here in proper order for posterity, but I won't hold my breath!!



Is she as good as Betty? How does she compare with the latest artwork in the books?
Only you can decide!!

https://imgur.com/a/6lQq1z5" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Jack400]

The 1970s FF picture (top left above) was also published in an IBA publication called "Television and Radio 1979" the article was about ITV children's drama.
The facial expressions in the illustration by Jolyne Knox looks like a wide variety of emotions (what was it supposed to be illustrating)?

[Wolfgang]

There's some info about the Award editions, for which Knox illustrated a number of books.
https://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/for ... ox#p355119

[Anita Bensoussane]

Some of Jolyne Knox's illustrations are better than others but many of the characters look awkward in my opinion, oddly out of proportion with stiff facial features, and there are too many scattered black dots/lines.

[Lucky Star]

I am not really familiar with Joleyne Knox's work as I do all my FF reading from editions illustrated by either Soper or Maxey. I can say however that to me nothing beats that Betty Maxey Treasure Island cover.

[pete9012S]

1979 Hodder & Stoughton, illustrations by Jolyne Knox, cover from 1st TV Series

https://imgur.com/a/qc701mK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The complete illustrations for the second book. Is Jolyne getting into her stride? Are her illustrations growing on you yet?
I think this one (below) is one of my favourites - what about you? The one of Tim in the snow outside in his kennel is quite touching too..


All pics:
https://imgur.com/a/qc701mK" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Anita Bensoussane]

That picture of the boy looking out of the window isn't bad, Pete, but in general I still find Jolyne Knox's illustrations rather awkward and lumpish, with heavy lines. I miss the lightness of touch that both Eileen Soper and Betty Maxey possess.

You've often talked of Maxey's knockers, Pete, so it'll be interesting to see whether Knox gets as many knocks!

[pete9012S]

Many thanks for your thoughts on these Anita. Yes, I can't see Jolyne winning many Soper aficionado's over!

I'm trying to look at Jolyne's illustrations and try very hard to imagine if I had seen them for the first time aged between say 8-10 yrs old if I would now have a great affection for them..

It could possibly explain my Maxey affliction!

[Courtenay]

I'm just left wondering if her first name is meant to be pronounced "Jo-lyne" to rhyme with fine, or "Jo-lene", as in, well, you know which song...

[pete9012S]

3. Jolyne Knox - Five Go To Smuggler's Top (1979)

https://imgur.com/a/2K50g1L" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

From these latest illustrations this would be my favourite - I think. What's yours?



Also, the one with the linen basket shows just how hard it would be for children to lower a big, powerful dog like Tim down into a dark, cavernous pit.

[aminmec]

The editions above are interesting . Did all 21 books get released with TV series covers and Jolyene Knox illustrations ? Were they standard novel sized and were they hardcover or paperback ?

[John Pickup]

I should have thought that the primary objective of any publisher of children's books is to sell them and that means the illustrations must be as appealing as the story to the target audience. I wouldn't expect the children of today to be very thrilled by Eileen Soper's original artwork but I still reckon she is the best illustrator of the Famous Five. However, what I think is immaterial to the publisher and if the modern covers of today's editions are continuing to draw children to Enid's books then they are doing their job.
I don't particularly care for Jolyne Knox's illustrations but I prefer them to Maxey's.