A green plaque has been unveiled at the site of the former home of a Leicestershire artist who created the illustrations for six Thomas the Tank Engine books and more than 30 Ladybird titles.
The plaque was unveiled as a tribute to Leicester-born artist John T Kenney, who between 1957 and 1962 illustrated six books in the Rev W Awdry’s Railway Series – better known as the Thomas the Tank Engine books.
He also illustrated a total of 31 titles for Loughborough-based publisher Ladybird Books between 1954 and 1972.
The plaque was unveiled at the site of Mr Kenney’s former home in Kibworth Beauchamp
Local author/historian Stephen Butt, who nominated Mr Kenney for the award, said: “I am delighted that John Kenney has been recognised and honoured by the village he made his home. There are many people in Kibworth who remember John and his wife, Peggy, and countless millions around the world of all ages who have enjoyed his illustrations.”
Generations of children grew up with the Thomas the Tank Engine and Ladybird books and their beautiful illustrations are instantly recognised around the world. John Kenney was an extremely popular choice among the people of Leicestershire to receive a green plaque and I am delighted to be able to unveil this well-deserved plaque at the site of his former home.
Person:Pam Posnett, county council chairmanGuests at the unveiling were also treated to an exhibition of some of Mr Kenney’s work, which included images from his wartime service, animals, local landscapes and hunting scenes.