Štěpán Zavřel V

 

 “Our Wonderful Earth” written by Ursula Wölfel and illustrated by Štěpán Zavřel, published in Germany in 1971.  A book about the folly of man in not working with nature, whilst the children can see the mistakes they are making.

Štěpán Zavřel IV

If ever there was a book for our times it is this one: 'The City of Flowers' written by Eveline Hasler and illustrated by Štěpán Zavřel (1932-1999) originally published in 1987. Republished in 2016 by Bohem Press Italy

Once upon a time, there was a city, whose inhabitants loved flowers very much and cultivated them everywhere. People knew how to enjoy small things and how to overcome difficulties by appreciating nature and the beauty around themselves.  However one day a mayor convinces them that this was a great waste of time and ordered the removal of all the plants and even the butterflies to the cemetery of dreams. 

The city then became gray and sad. 

                   

  

But one day, two children discovered the secret garden where all the plants had been hidden. The children, with the help of a thunderstorm release the flowers and butterflies. With flowers and butterflies, the colors and the joy returns to the city and everyone's hearts.

The children had been brave and observant enough to see what was missing from everyone's lives and had restored the balance.

Štěpán Zavřel III

Today's illustrations are from Štěpán Zavřel's 'The Magic Fish', published 1973. This book is about a fish who escapes from a painting, to explore the ocean.

The picture is so loved by the children, that it will not remain empty for long because the 'Magic Fish' does not forget its best friends!

Štěpán Zavřel I

Štěpán Zavřel's illustrations from 'The Star Tellers' (Die Sterntaler). The Czech illustrator Štěpán Zavřel (1932-1999) was born in Prague and first specialised in animation. In 1959 he escaped Czechoslovakia and made his way to Italy where he was welcomed in the Trieste refugee camp. He furthered his studies in Rome at the Faculty of Painting of the Academy of Fine Arts. 
Štěpán then moved to Germany and studied stage design and theatrical costume at the Munich Kunstakademie. He returned to Italy working as an illustrator and was greatly involved in establishing networks, exhibitions and foundations to encourage and support this art form.