National Gallery Inks Pub Deals

The National Gallery Company has partnered with Hachette Children’s Group and Octopus Publishing for a series of books for both children and adults.

April 6, 2018

10-year licensing deals will see branded titles ranging from art to activity books.

JELC, the National Gallery’s licensing agent, brokered the 10-year deals.

First, Hachette will produce a range of titles from artist Paul Thurlby that will begin publishing in summer 2017. The first title will be a children’s guide to the Gallery. Thurlby will also create an alphabet series of art,

A is for Art

, for fall 2017 as well as sticker and activity books.

“We are delighted to partner with the National Gallery Company and our colleagues at Octopus to offer a publishing program which showcases both the treasures of the gallery and the exceptional talent of our illustrators Paul Thurlby and James Mayhew,” says Hilary Murray Hill, chief executive officer, Hachette Children’s Group. “Our aim is to entertain and inform with books for families to share, as well as inspiring in children a lifelong love of art.”

Meanwhile, Octopus will begin launching

their National Gallery-branded titles in spring 2017 with a spot-the-difference puzzle book for adults and a dot-to-dot puzzle book.

“It is a pleasure to have this relationship with the Hachette group,” says Judith Mather, buying and merchandise director, the National Gallery Company. “We are looking forward to producing new titles in the adult activity book market. We are also delighted to be working with Paul Thurlby on an addition to his successful city series–

A is for Art

and the children’s guide are extremely exciting projects.”