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Drawing a world where imagination is the key

On her 80th birthday, illustrator Shirley Hughes reflects to Anne Simpson on a lifetime of creating gentle and inspiring tales for children.

On a fitful summer day in London, an expected visitor arrives at Number 63 Lansdowne Road to be greeted by a hand-printed message taped to the door. "Welcome. Please Knock Loudly." And being on her best behaviour, the expected visitor does as she is told.