23 Apr 2024
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Caroline Swanne, an illustrator who is known by the pencil name of Jo Bird. She’s worked for an extensive client list including Libertys, Red Valentino, Chanel, Molton Brown, and many more besides. She’s been a St Albans resident since she was tiny and now finds herself in the blooming village of Redbourn.
Do you ever Google yourself?
I sort of do. I’m an illustrator with a non de plume so I do go onto see how many images of mine come up in the listings. I share that name with a politician, she represents the Green Party in Birkenhead, so all good by me!
Less glamorously it’s also the company name selling lifesaving equipment, so you can imagine the odd crossover emails I receive from time to time.
What is your most-missed St Albans shop, pub, café or restaurant?
As a lover of nostalgia and history, this is an excellent question.
Hot Coals – where I had my first ever date!
Confetti – a pick and mix sweet shop with the best mini pear drops.
Rocket – for all your ‘90s plastic inflatable chairs and lava lamp needs.
And the whole upstairs market place in the Maltings… anyone with me? Complete random mixture of shops, but I remember it as huge neverending space up there, since I was just a kid.
What TV did you watch as a child?
OMG. I think I might have ONLY watched TV as a child. How long have you got: Thundercats, Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds (even the theme tune to that sets me off!) Trapdoor, Count Duckular, My Little Pony, Rainbow Brite, Jem… I could go on…
Are things getting better or worse?
Worse – I never used to be an anxious person, but maybe since I’ve had kids and grown up a bit I definitely think the UK is falling to pieces. To
counterbalance it I’m reading Dale Vince – ‘Manifesto.’ He’s responsible for most of the UK’s windmills and subsequent wind energy and as a bonus to that has made billions from it, but he cares about the planet rather than making more money. He’s even started up the UK’s first green football club, it’s almost enough to make me care about football, almost.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
I spotted Prunella Scales (about 20 years ago now) on the top deck of a bus in South London. I drew her quickly in my sketch book and asked her to sign it. She was totally unimpressed, and I’ve no idea what happened to the sketchbook since. I’ve also drawn Drew Barrymore, complete superstar. She was gorgeous and loved my painting of her, I went one better and we had a photo together.
Have you ever had a nickname?
Many nicknames over the years, Caz, Cazzie (to family members) Swannie, but it all started with my Dad, who called me Jo after Joe Gormley… He was a plump politician famed for his angelic kiss curls and chubby cheeks. Not the most flattering of nicknames but I answer to both names now since I started illustrating and calling myself Jo Bird for work 15 years ago.
What was your best subject at school?
Combined Sciences. Just kidding. Art! Though I was a bit of a swat and worked hard, I also loved English and History. In fact I loved school. Nothing beats the smell of the pages of a new text book straight off the printing press! And stick me in a quiet room of people riffling through their pencil cases – it’s the ultimate in ASMR.
I had lovely art teachers at both schools I attended, and I think that’s key really. To be encouraged by inspiring people. Too many children and adults get put off drawing by being told they can’t draw. I think anyone can draw, you just have to practice. Always be drawing!
Who was your first best friend?
My big sister Amanda, until she went to school and became all serious! We used to play really well until she declared, ‘I have homework, I can’t play with you anymore.’ We fought for the middle years and now she’s my pal again. I love spending time with her, she’s a talented script writer and she’s having her turn in the limelight, so I’m super proud of her too.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
My Mum’s house! She’s just about the best cook in the world, loves her food, and her and my stepdad Martin have always lived in hidden houses. I won’t give the address up as you’ll all want to park there and stop by to raid the fridge.
Years ago they lived off the Redbourn Road on the Gorehambury estate… it was the best of both worlds. Felt like you were in the country but five minutes to town, and we used to park our cars at the end of the drive and stroll across to the Fighting Cocks for a drink or two. I still miss that house!
How long would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
: ) I love this question. I adore apocalyptic movies…and used to laugh about this with my flatmate Bekka. I used to joke she’d not get off the starting blocks, mainly because she’s far too kind and soft to survive long. I’ve agreed to meet with my other half in Wales, if it all gets a bit sticky, though I think he’s picked Halifax, so that could be awkward. If there’s a complete societal breakdown we will end up in totally separate places…
I think about this topic far more than I should you know.
