One of my favourite illustrators from my childhood was Ronald Searle, I have one of his books in front of me, it’s been on my bookshelf almost as long as I remember. The book is Modern Types by Geoffrey Gorer and Ronald Searle, published in 1955 it is a fabulous exposé on people at that time. Geoffrey Gorer supplied the words and Ronald Searle the fabulous drawings. I’ve always been at war with myself about this book. The words are seriously wonderful and I always enjoyed them but I enjoyed the illustrations more.

I was quite surprised and then bereft two nights ago when I heard of Searle’s death. Surprised as I didn’t realise he was still alive and bereft as I suddenly realised it definitely meant there wouldn’t be any more gems coming from him.

An amazing man. Born in 1920 he was enrolled as an art student when war broke out and in 1939 he left his studies and enlisted. In January 1942 he was taken prisoner in Singapore and spent the rest of the war a prisoner, first in Changi Prison and then in the Kwai jungle, working on the Siam-Burma Death Railway. He had some of the usual illnesses while a prisoner and spent time drawing about his experiences, these were later published. He was first published in the late 1940s and continued working until shortly before his death, his latest book was published in 2011; he died on the 30th December 2011 at the age of 91.

I didn’t realise he was the creator of St Trinians. I loved the movies when I was young but he drew the drawings before they were turned into movies. I don’t think he got much money from the movies, but their influence has continued and will do so for a long time.

The book in front of me, Modern Types, is just so good. One of the articles is about Mrs Greenbelt and she reminds me so much of Hyacinth Bucket, the illustration shows absolutely everything you need to know about this person. She’s very interested in herself and doesn’t like to sully her hands by actually doing anything useful. The book is filled with characters illustrated perfectly. Ronald Searle has been part of my life for such a long time it’s hard to say goodbye but at least I have this book.