The Moomins and Queer Culture: The Legacy of Tove Jansson, the first-ever official Moomin Pride event in the UK, takes place on Wednesday 19th June in London to celebrate the queer legacy of Moomin creator, Tove Jansson.
Hosted by The Common Press, Moomin fans and illustrators, including author Paul Gravett, gaming influencer Eeowna, UK-based illustrator and painter Ashton Attzs and freelance illustrator Aleesha Nandhra, will be discussing their love of Tove and Moominvalley. The evening will be hosted by activist and illustrator Fox Fisher.
In-person and online live-stream tickets are available. Attendees will also get an exclusive Pride tote bag featuring Tove Jansson’s artwork to take home as a keepsake for this Moominous event. Don’t miss this exciting celebration!
Paul Gravett is a London-based journalist, curator, writer, and broadcaster who has worked in comics publishing since 1981. Paul provides fresh insight into and a deep appreciation for the life and art of Tove Jansson, one of the most original, influential, and perennially enjoyed illustrators of the twentieth century. In this volume, Paul Gravett examines Jansson’s highly successful Moomin books, as well as her interpretations of classics such as Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and The Hunting of the Snark, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
Ashton Attzs is a UK-based illustrator and painter. Her paintings and digital illustrations are colourful and vibrant celebrations of the everyday person and quotidian life. Attzs’ work is bold, joyful and unapologetic both in style and message; often representing the LGBTQ+ community and queerness. They have worked with: Universal Music UK, Adidas Originals, Gap UK, Candy Kittens, Moleskine, Ralph Lauren, and more. In 2018, Attzs’ won The Evening Standard for her painting: “Don’t Stay In Ya Lane”.
Eeowna is a YouTube star, social media personality, and online content creator renowned for her engaging content on the Eeowna YouTube channel. With a subscriber base of 118,000, she captivates her audience by discussing her favourite Nintendo Switch games and sharing insights on upcoming releases. Her passion for gaming and in-depth reviews have made her a trusted voice in the Nintendo Switch community.
Aleesha Nandhra is an Illustrator and sometimes Printmaker from London. Thematically she is drawn to work that deals with: Nature, culture, mental health, and everyday life. Narratives and visual storytelling play a huge part in her creative practice.
Fox Fisher is an artist, author, filmmaker and trans campaigner. Fox was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for their work on trans issues in the media. Fox produces, directs, and edits films via My Genderation, is consultant for trans storylines for TV and Netflix, does media interactions via All About Trans and is a co-founder of Trans Pride, Brighton.
Fox was Artist in Residence at Homotopia and screen-prints LIVE at Tate Modern and V&A. Fox’s books are The Trans Pride Colouring Book, Trans Teen Survival Guide and Workbook. Their gentle kid’s book was gifted to Piers Morgan during an interview.
The Common Press is a LGBTQIA+ Multidisciplinary Venue led by Glass House Projects. Ourspaces The Common Press (Bookshop Café), and The Commons (Multimedia Events Space) offers a hub for London’s diverse creatives cnd Community to thrive.
• The Moomins and Queer Culture: The Legacy of Tove Jansson hosted by The Common Press, 6.30 – 9.00pm Wednesday 19th June, 118 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 6DG | Tickets for the event are limited from free to £19.99 and available now
Please note the event is taking place downstairs which is sadly not wheelchair accessible
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Books, Comic Art, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Other Worlds