A BOOK featuring the art of an illustrator and artist who possessed a 'prodigious imagination and a meticulous and detailed technique' has been published. 

An Enchanted Eye examines the works of Winchester artist Alan Cracknell, who died in April 2022 aged 84. 

With Alan's wife Evelyn's blessing, writer Bruce Edwards has released a new book to commemorate his friend's work. 

Bruce said: “I knew Alan for 25 years and always admired his work.” 

Much of Alan’s work featured in the city’s art galleries on multiple occasions, and much of it was created using “fine brushes”, which made them appear greatly “detailed”.

READ MORE: Obituary - Alan Ernest Cracknell, artist and Illustrator: 22 August 1937 - 20 April 2022

Alan Cracknell Alan Cracknell Bruce said: “He had one of the most amazing imaginations, which is evident in his various works.”

Alan's work was frequently used in The Sunday Times and Nova, and his cookery book illustrations were particularly successful, appearing in Arabella Boxer’s segmented ‘First Slice Your Cookbook’, Nanette Newman’s children’s book ‘The Fun Food Factory’, and ‘Fish and Shellfish’ by George Lassalle for Sainsbury.

In 2000, he and his family moved to Winchester, where he all but retired, however, he kept up his artwork, taking on private commissions and holding successful exhibitions.

One of Alan's piecesOne of Alan's pieces (Image: Alan Cracknell)

The new book “An Enchanted Eye”, which has been published by Boscobel, is available at £20 (inc p & p). To buy email boscobel2267@gmail.com 

  • This article was written by Cameron Braddick from the University of Winchester