Polly Allburn

BA (Hons) Illustration

My illustration work has culminated in an experimental assortment of objects that communicate the interconnected relationship between parent and child. Breaking down the power dynamic and allowing for a collaborative experience where parents can empathise with their children’s experiences and vice versa. Now that I have the language to communicate my own experiences of childhood, I use poetry and acrylic paint to create bold, gestural illustrations. I am a multimedia illustrator whose work extends beyond the page, I use materials pewter, clay and board to create everything from sculptures to jewellery. The pressures that everyone is put through growing up is something that I want to emphasise and I see my work relating to children through playful storytelling in a gentle, empathetic and engaging way.


Mae fy ngwaith darlunio wedi arwain at amrywiaeth arbrofol o wrthrychau sy’n cyfleu’r berthynas gydgysylltiedig rhwng y rhiant a’r plentyn. Chwalu’r dynamig pŵer a chaniatáu profiad cydweithredol lle gall rhieni gydymdeimlo â phrofiadau eu plant ac i’r gwrthwyneb. Gan fod yr iaith gen i bellach i gyfleu fy mhrofiadau fy hun o blentyndod, rwy’n defnyddio barddoniaeth a phaent acrylig i greu darluniau beiddgar ac ystumiol. Rwy’n ddarlunydd amlgyfrwng ac mae fy ngwaith yn ymestyn tu hwnt i’r dudalen. Rwy’n defnyddio deunyddiau fel piwter, clai a bwrdd i greu popeth o gerfluniau i emwaith. Mae’r pwysau a roddir ar bawb wrth dyfu i fyny yn rhywbeth rydw i am ei bwysleisio ac rwy’n ystyried bod fy ngwaith yn cysylltu â phlant drwy adrodd straeon chwareus mewn ffordd addfwyn, empathig a diddorol.


• https://pollyillustrations.wordpress.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/pollya_illustration/

Other Exhibitors:

Imogen Miles

Imogen Miles

My current project looks into the story of St Dwynwen, a Welsh princess who became a saint- the welsh patron St of Lovers. She is celebrated throughout wales on the 25th of January. I was interested in this story after hearing about St Dwynwens day and doing some...

Katie Andrews

Katie Andrews

Reconnecting and rebuilding our relationship with the natural world is as vital as ever. My illustration practice focuses on creating educational and decorative patterned homeware and giftware products which will inspire people to become more in sync and appreciative...

Monika Jutrzenka Trzebiatowska

Monika Jutrzenka Trzebiatowska

My project is a response to a brief inspired by the Apila’s First Printing Award 2022. The aim was to create a fully illustrated children’s book based on a story of my choice – ‘The Frog Princess’ by A. J. Gliński. I wanted to combine the Polish culture with my...

Ellen Richards

Ellen Richards

As ân artist, I am particularly interested in creating work which explores subjects which are tailored to a certain demographic. The topics are relevant and meaningful to a specific individual, whether it be something they have experienced in their past or are...

Thalia Dougourou

Thalia Dougourou

Using both visual and lexical storytelling, I explore African history and culture while investigating its absence in the learning of young black students. Growing up in the UK, I became aware that the black history being taught in schools did not go beyond slavery,...

Rhian Clatworthy

Rhian Clatworthy

My artwork uses visual storytelling to explore themes around women and history. I enjoy responding to narratives and retelling stories in fresh ways. The medium I have recently focused on is screen-printing, I am fascinated by its bold and crisp appearance. I often...