Kissmekwik to produce greetings range for Arthur
HarperCollins has signed kissmekwik to produce a range of greetings cards and wrapping paper based on the pre-school children’s book, Arthur and Friends: Watch Out Arthur! by Magda Archer.
HarperCollins are also set to become sole representatives for film, TV, stage and radio rights for Arthur.
Arthur and Friends: Watch Out Arthur! was first published in the UK in May 2010 and Magda’s wildly imaginative, distinctive and contemporary style shines
through. Magda is a sought‐after Chelsea School of Art and Royal College of Art graduate. During her career she has been showcased in solo exhibitions, had work selected for a Peter Blake show and has collaborated with respected illustrator Peter Quinnell. She was also co‐writer and illustrator of the Harry Hill Fun Book. Kissmekwik will launch the range of greetings cards and gift wrap in January 2011 with an initial range of eight to ten cards and two wrapping paper designs.
Commenting on the deal, kissmekwik managing director, Simon Spicer said: “Kissmekwik is really looking forward to working on this project. The illustrations are charming and Arthur is a great character. We can’t wait for more Arthur stories! We’ll be releasing the products under our Simon Spicer brand, where he will sit (as long as he behaves) alongside our current Ladybird Books and Dan Dare ranges.”
Melanie Beer, head of licensing and content development at HarperCollins, commented: “Magda has created an exciting and fresh brand in Watch Out, Arthur! The characters are nostalgic yet modern and Magda’s unique design style is going to make Arthur (and his friends) a winner amongst teens and young adults. I am extremely excited to have acquired film, TV, stage, and radio rights and look forward to exploring opportunities with these in the near future. In licensing kissmekwik for greetings cards and wrapping paper, we will get Arthur in front of these trendy young consumers who shop in Paperchase, Joy and Scribbler. We also look forward to expanding our licensee base to cover stationery, homewares and home textiles, apparel and accessories so Watch Out for Arthur!”
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