Rachel Talbot is a highly talented British artist who revels in creating sculptures that exemplify her love of literature, ranging from Grimm's fairy tales to Charles Dickens and the work of children's illustrators such as Arthur Rackham and Beatrix Potter.

Quoted as saying, "In my artistic journey through life I have every intention of indulging my imagination and, like Peter Pan, I strive never to grow up!" her work is full of merriment and humour. And yet her pieces celebrate a piercing range of human qualities, born of close observation of the human experience. Her charming, seductive pieces are enlivened by vibrant patinas and animated gestures and movements. At once nostalgic yet uniquely modern, skillful in execution yet playful in effect, bringing a smile to our faces, her work is a delight and a gift for the future. We commissioned Rachel to create a delightful Mister Toad to celebrate our 2016 publication of The Wind in the Willows