Jonny Hannah: Greetings from Darktown: An Illustrator's Miscellany

This collection showcases the work of Jonny Hannah, exploring his artistic themes and the fictional world of Darktown through prints and paintings.

The book Jonny Hannah: Greetings from Darktown: An Illustrator's Miscellany is a captivating exploration of the work of the renowned illustrator Jonny Hannah. Featuring around 200 prints and paintings, this collection includes both classic pieces and brand-new creations made specifically for this volume. Readers will find themselves immersed in an intriguing assortment of themes that resonate with Hannah's artistic vision, including jazz, folk music, the sea, space, and charming shops. Each artwork serves as a window into Hannah's unique world, showcasing his distinctive style and storytelling ability.

Born in Scotland and now residing by the sea in Southampton, Jonny Hannah also conjures the fictional yet enchanting realm of Darktown. This mysterious coastal town, teeming with pin-up girls, jazz artists, and tattooed sailors, is a central theme in his work. In Darktown, readers will encounter fascinating locales such as the Unquiet Grave junk emporium and the Mermaid Cafe, where folk legend Woody Guthrie performs weekly. Hannah's journey is enriched by contributions from writers Philip Hoare and Peter Chrisp, who delve into the diverse influences that shape his artistry, while Sheena Calvert presents a typographic catalogue of hand-drawn lettering.

Jonny Hannah: Greetings from Darktown: An Illustrator's Miscellany invites readers to experience thematic chapters that reflect Hannah's passions. As he navigates through his vibrant creations, he also bids farewell to his alter ego, Rocket Man, who has long inhabited the shadows of pop culture. This book is not just a collection of art; it is a celebration of creativity and the stories that inspire it.