Ilona Polanski
A Quarter Century of Czech Harry Potter
On the rare and magical date of February 29th, twenty-five years ago, the Czech edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone made its debut. Initially released in a modest print run of just six thousand copies, the publishers were cautious—mirroring the apprehensions originally seen in the United Kingdom. Yet, what followed was a literary phenomenon that would go on to captivate millions. To mark this milestone anniversary, Albatros Publishing commissioned a special collector’s edition with a completely new visual identity—one that would be both magical and timeless.
Egmont Bulgaria described this artwork as “a journey that is about to change their lives the way it has changed millions of lives before.” The covers became more than illustrations—they became vessels of nostalgia, pride, and cultural identity.
Ilona Polanski Steps into the Wizarding World
Taking on this monumental task was Ilona Polanski, one half of the celebrated illustration duo Tomski & Polanski. For this project, Polanski worked solo, stepping out from the duo’s collaborative comfort zone to lead the artistic vision. The project was initiated two years prior to publication when Petr Eliáš, editor-in-chief at Albatros, approached her to create illustrations for this special edition.
“It’s a dream come true,” Polanski shared with Forbes Life, recalling the moment the first cover was revealed to the public. Yet with the dream came an acute sense of responsibility. As a long-time fan of the series and a seasoned illustrator, she knew the scrutiny from a devoted fanbase—and from J.K. Rowling’s London-based agency—would be intense.
A Vision Rooted in Books, Not Films
A critical element of the project was the strict mandate to draw only from the books and avoid any resemblance to the films. This directive allowed Polanski to delve into her own interpretation of the world, giving readers a fresh lens through which to experience Harry Potter. The resulting images are distinctively hers, imbued with her signature style—subtle, elegant, and atmospheric.
Polanski chose to depict Harry and his friends using pastel gray-blue tones. Inside, the book features four black and white illustrations spaced evenly through the chapters, each capturing a carefully selected moment. “I thought it was mainly about the author’s illustration and capturing the mood,” Polanski remarked, “but then comments came from London, where they clearly said that it had to be followed when, for example, a stone floor was indicated in some rooms.”
Breaking from Tradition: Style and Challenges
As a fan of Galina Miklínová’s original Czech illustrations, Polanski initially found it challenging to break from that established visual narrative. “I had to sketch a lot to break away from the style,” she explained. But she leaned into the qualities that had earned her the commission: her treatment of surfaces, her muted palette, and her graphic design sensibilities.
Despite this, the process was not without its struggles. “There was a lot of going back and forth, a lot of editing of factual matters,” she noted. Every element had to match the book’s descriptions exactly—a demand that often required adjustments and re-sketching.
Character Creation and Artistic Freedom
Among all the characters, it was Hagrid that brought Polanski the most joy. “I love him!” she exclaimed, describing the many iterations she explored before settling on a version that felt both true to the text and original in its expression. In contrast to his cinematic portrayal, Polanski emphasized Hagrid’s literary description, noting that he was meant to be four times the size of an average human.
When selecting which scenes to illustrate, Polanski had creative liberty. “There are four illustrations in the book, so we choose what will be shown and that the illustrations are equally spaced within the book,” she said. This blend of structure and freedom allowed her to maintain both narrative rhythm and visual diversity.
A Process of Passion and Precision
The journey from sketch to final illustration was a complex one. Polanski began with rough concepts, which she submitted for approval before refining them into finished pieces. “With a great opportunity comes great responsibility—not only to the fans, but also to the agency in London,” she reflected.
Each decision had to balance her artistic intuition with the necessity for accuracy. This duality—of being both imaginative and precise—defined the entire project.
Looking Ahead: A Series in the Making
While the first book is complete, with interior and cover illustrations finalized and scheduled for release on May 15, the remaining volumes still await their full artistic treatment. Polanski has already created the covers for the other books and plans to finish the internal illustrations in the coming months.
The project has proven to be far more intricate than she had initially imagined, but Polanski remains inspired. “It is a compliment that someone noticed your illustrations and wants to apply them to their great work,” she said, capturing the blend of humility and pride that defines her approach.
As Czech readers prepare to revisit—or perhaps discover for the first time—the magic of Hogwarts through Polanski’s eyes, one thing is clear: this reimagining is not only a tribute to J.K. Rowling’s world but also a celebration of the artistry and imagination that continues to keep it alive.