The illustrations below are part of a project I've been working on (and off), for over 2 years. The idea for the illustrations came from looking at photographs of the
Cottingly Fairies, which were taken in 1917. The bizarre outcome of the Cottingly Fairies saga was that after many scientific studies by photographic experts, and much money spent, it took until 1982 for someone to declare them fake.
My original idea was to dream up 30 species of fairies, and make a small booklet to identify them. I would claim them to be genuine and challenge experts to prove me wrong. The 30 species were invented and named in a few days. I could have invented more, including cross species, sub-species and rare sightings, but it was fortunate I didn't. Illustrating fairies is a life long job. After 2 years (part time), work, I've just finished my 8th wing, the Ice Fairy, below.
The illustrations are quite big, 72 inches high. The text is overlaid on acetate for re-positioning so on paper there is just the wing. I'm now wondering if they would sell on their own, sans text. Or, should I continue and publish the booklet.
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| Thistle Fairy - Tim Irving |
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| Water Fairy - Tim Irving |
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| Air Fairy - Tim Irving |
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| Ice Fairy - Tim Irving |
