See Brian Grimwood, the master of British illustration, in all his expressive glory

If you’re looking for a man to call the grandfather of British illustration (you probably aren’t but I am, so bear with me), then there’s really only one name that springs to mind. Brian Grimwood, founder of the second most famous CIA, is widely credited with changing the face of British illustration in the 1960s with his progressive attitude and beautifully fluid lines – a marked contrast from the restrained, laborious clean-line style often used by turn of the century practitioners.

It’s not just for stylistic achievements that Brian’s work is so well-respected. As one of the first illustrators to embrace digital media he’s long been a user of Photoshop and Illustrator as tools to produce work – he’s also one of only a hanful known to utilise his iPad to create original works.

As a role-model for young creatives there are few as long-established as Brian. Of his generation of image-makers there are very few to have risen to prominence and then remained at the top of their game. The main driver of Brian’s success has been the ability to adapt and develop throughout his career, never resting on his laurels or settling for the repetitive use of a single visual hook. Anyone working in a creative discipline can learn a great lesson from this – diversity is key.

To honour the talents of this illustrative luminary, London’s Work Gallery is holding a retrospective of his work later this month where it’ll be possible to enjoy a cross-section of this master practitioner’s collected works. We’ll be heading down without doubt, and we suggest you stop by too.

Brian Grimwood: The Man Who Changed the Look of British Illustration runs from September 14 to November 3.