A few weeks ago I was invited to lunch with Orchard Books, publisher of Katie for 25 years long. Some stock needed signing too, so I trundled off to their offices, pen in hand.
Upon arrival pre-lunch drinks to celebrate Katie’s 25th anniversary were suggested in an off-hand way. Little did I know that a cunning plan was afoot. Together with my editor Liz and designers Clare and Sophie I was bundled into a taxi and swept off. But to where? “Round the corner” they’d said. But this was a big corner. It was more like a kidnapping.
It wasn’t to be the National Gallery. A likely spot I thought, but we carried on, right through London, ever Eastwards until… of course! I realised as we drew up outside the Tower of London. They were taking me to THE BENCH!
And there was everyone: The whole Orchard team, waiting with Champagne and strawberries.
I was presented with a beautiful print referencing reviews and my Orchard nickname: Lovely James. As well as a voucher for the Royal Opera House, as a thank you for painting the bench.
Afterwards there really WAS a lunch – at Gilbert Scott, St. Pancras (wonderful to see inside that extraordinary building – it is radiantly beautiful!). The book signing was real too, so if you buy the new 25th anniversary edition of Katie’s Picture Show in London, you might just end up with a signed copy.
My head was spinning when I got home. I’m not used to surprise parties and such royal treatment. But it was wonderful to have a little taste of the high life, just for a day. I felt a bit like Katie, stepping into another world!
The frolics at the bench even made the Bookseller!
Thanks Orchard – it’s been a wonderful quarter of a century… Here’s to the next 25!
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