11 Nov 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Harpenden artist and illustrator Ian Bott, whose career spans book and magazine publishing, design, advertising, film and television worldwide.
He has enjoyed a prolific 25-year working relationship with the editorial team behind The Aviation Historian, and since 2010 has documented his travels for work and pleasure. Some of his artwork can now be seen in the Eric Morecambe Centre as part of the EMC Exhibition Series. The giclee prints in this exhibit emphasise his fascination with capturing moments of atmosphere, light and colour in a wide variety of locations as well as his local area.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died who would it be?
My parents and grandparents. I’d love to find out how they’re getting on, give them a catch-up on all the gossip and introduce my grandparents to my lovely wife and their equally lovely, great-granddaughter.
Are things getting better or worse?
Work in the news business covers pessimistic subjects regularly, making it easy to conclude things are worsening, which they may well be. However, I also cover many positive topics, particularly in science and medicine, and choose to believe the direction is generally to the better. We live in a genuinely miraculous age. For example, I’ve just used a satellite network 20,000km above Earth to locate my AirPods in my house.
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
To say I have no fashion sense is an understatement. However, I adore my San Francisco Derby jacket, as popularised by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry movies. I’m on my second one and they’re stylish, warm and practical.
Have you ever asked for an autograph?
There’s one I had the chance to but always regretted I didn’t: At a 1990s Los Angeles airshow I saw the astronaut Bill Anders, there displaying his beautiful P-51 Mustang fighter. Anders took the iconic Earthrise photo as he and Apollo 8 crewmates came around the Moon on Christmas Eve 1968. He was one of my great heroes but because I was an uptight, reserved Brit, I never went over to tell him that and ask for a signature.
Where do you buy your coffee in Harpenden?
Mo’s coffee stand at the Station. A Harpenden commuting institution run by one of the nicest people I know. An artwork of the stand is in the exhibit.
What’s your favourite Harpenden pub?
My local, the Carpenters, the smallest pub in Harpenden. Cozy in the winter and a nice spot to to sit out in the summer.
What’s your favourite meal?
My weekly delicious Indian takeaway from the Sarakh restaurant in Southdown. I’ve had a beer while waiting for it almost every Wednesday since they opened and I love the routine.
Most inspirational Harpenden person – living or dead?
Either fighter ace and de Havilland test pilot John ‘cat’s eyes’ Cunningham, very funny man Eric Morecambe or movie genius Stanley Kubrick.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
The de Havilland Aircraft Museum tucked away in the countryside south of St Albans. A treasure trove of historic aircraft run by an enthusiastic, talented and dedicated team. It’s the only place in the world you can see three beautiful dH Mosquitoes together in the same place, including the unique original prototype.
Which day of your life would you most like to relive?
The first day I flew an aircraft on my own for a long distance. Heading East from San Diego in California I reached the Colorado River then turned South to arrive at an airport in Yuma, Arizona. Being alone high over the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert with just an air traffic controller on the radio in distant LA for company was unforgettable and exhilarating. I don’t think I’ve ever felt more in the moment.
