Chris Riddell
Entering the Wizarding World
Chris Riddell’s entry into the visual canon of the Wizarding World came in 2018 with the publication of the illustrated edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard by Bloomsbury. For Riddell—a celebrated artist known for his collaborations with fantasy authors such as Neil Gaiman, as well as for his satirical political cartoons—this project offered a rare opportunity: to bring to life not the central Harry Potter saga, but the mythical fairy tales that exist within it.
Riddell, who proudly identifies as a Hufflepuff, approached the task with reverence and enthusiasm. “It has been a magical experience in all senses being invited into the world of Harry Potter and illustrating these wonderful tales,” he remarked. “I hope this edition will be enjoyed by wizards and Muggles alike!” And indeed, his affection for the stories is evident on every page.
A Cover Steeped in Storytelling
From the very first glance, Riddell’s work sets the tone. The front cover of the book is a floral tapestry of enchantment, brimming with figures from the five stories that comprise The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Readers are greeted by the three witches from The Fountain of Fair Fortune and the pot from The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, among others. These elements are not merely decorative; they serve as narrative previews, whispering promises of the magic that awaits within.
Turn the book over and there is another surprise: a portrait of Albus Dumbledore, whose commentary on the tales is included in the edition. In this image, Riddell captures the whimsical wisdom of Hogwarts’ late headmaster with a blend of detail and light-heartedness. Amusingly, the artist admitted that while drawing Dumbledore, he inadvertently drew inspiration from his own father.
A Personal Connection to Potter
Unlike some artists who approach the Harry Potter universe as outsiders, Riddell’s connection to the series is deeply personal. He read the books aloud to his children as they were growing up—a cherished family ritual. “I’m a particular type of fan,” he reflected. “I’m old enough to have kids who I read the books to... unfortunately, I had the very sad experience about halfway through the series... my kids learnt to read independently and said, ‘sorry dad, we’ll take it from here!’”
Although this humorous anecdote hints at a passing of the torch, it also underscores how the Potter books have woven themselves into the fabric of family life for generations—something Riddell himself has now contributed to through his illustrations.
Freedom in Fairy Tales
Illustrating The Tales of Beedle the Bard provided Riddell with a degree of creative freedom not often afforded to artists working within the Harry Potter universe. Because these stories are separate from the main narrative—and populated largely by new characters—he did not feel the “great weight of responsibility” that might have come with portraying iconic figures like Harry, Hermione, or Snape. Instead, he was able to "cut loose a little bit" and indulge in the joy of illustration.
This freedom allowed him to explore some of the more whimsical and peculiar creatures of the Wizarding World. A particularly notable example? Horklumps. Riddell has declared his love for these strange, fungus-like magical beings—and it shows. His illustrations of them bristle with quirky charm.
He also found delight in drawing Bowtruckles and in portraying Death, the shadowy, skeletal figure from The Tale of the Three Brothers. “There’s something very cathartic about it,” he said, with his characteristic wit. The latter drawing, morbid though it may be, is striking in its grace and solemnity, capturing the mythic tone of the story.
Dumbledore and Beyond
Dumbledore appears multiple times in The Tales of Beedle the Bard, not as a character in the tales themselves but as their most insightful commentator. For Riddell, illustrating Dumbledore was both a challenge and a joy. As noted, he inadvertently modeled the wise wizard on his own father—an artistic slip that only adds warmth and intimacy to the drawing.
Riddell had already been introduced to this universe when he illustrated The Tale of the Three Brothers for a special event, and this earlier engagement acted as a stepping stone to the full Beedle the Bard commission. “I was able to dip a toe in the waters,” he said, “and then be led into this other fairytale world.” That “parallel world” is exactly what Beedle offers—a folklore-laced corner of the Wizarding World that feels as ancient and rich as Grimm’s tales, yet infused with Rowling’s modern sensibility.
Artistry with Heart
Throughout his career, Chris Riddell has balanced visual storytelling with political commentary, often switching from fantastical creatures to razor-sharp satire. In The Tales of Beedle the Bard, he returns to the imaginative, childlike side of illustration, yet brings with him the same meticulous care that defines his broader body of work.
His love for the source material is tangible in the way he frames characters, weaves in symbolic detail, and captures the tone of each story—be it comic, tragic, or philosophical. His art does not overpower the tales; instead, it supports and elevates them.
Wizards, Muggles, and Horklumps
As Riddell himself said, “It has been a magical experience.” His edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard is a true gift to both old and new fans—beautifully bound, filled with humor and reverence, and anchored in the artistic spirit that defines the very best of illustrated literature. Wizards and Muggles alike will find much to treasure in its pages—from Death’s solemn cloak to a pot that hops in merriment, from bowing witches to beaming flowers.
And somewhere in between, nestled quietly but joyfully among the blooms and the broomsticks, you’ll find Horklumps—just as Chris Riddell would want.