The VOICE of Helen Craig, Class of 1950
In this episode, Helen Craig (OA 1950), renowned for her work on the Angelina Ballerina children's book series, reflects on her school days and the major influences that shaped her artistic career. This detailed narrative offers a deeper dive into Craig's educational experiences, the challenges she faced, and the inspirations she drew which set the foundation for her future work. From her vivid memories of wartime education at Flint Hall Farm during evacuation to her later years at King Alfred School in Golders Green, Helen provides an evocative account of how these formative years contributed significantly to her becoming a celebrated children's book illustrator.
Creators and Guests
Composer
Amy Cash
Amy Cash is an actress, VoiceOver artist and an Old Alfredian from the Class of 2020, having joined The King Alfred School (KAS) for Sixth Form. Since KAS, she has gone on to train at Mountview Drama School and is pursuing a career in acting. She kindly offered to lend us her voice and record the introductions for Alfredian Voices - with a little help from Dan in music. Make sure to watch out for an Amy shaped space on a stage or screen near you soon!
Producer
Heather Roberts
Alumni and Development Officer: Heather has been the Alumni and Development Officer at The King Alfred School since 2020. Having become disillusioned with her career in the fashion industry Heather moved to this role within Development and Alumni Relations, pulling on her transferable skills. Heather credits her ease at engaging with new people and different audiences with having lived overseas for seven years in Moscow, Russia and Bogota, Colombia. As a self-confessed nosey person who likes a good natter, the Alfredian Voices podcast has been the dream project for Heather to work on.
Guest
Helen Craig
Helen Craig has been a photographer, a freelance potter and sculptor, a Chinese wallpaper restorer and a children's book author and illustrator. She has worked on more than 60 children's books since she started in 1970 and is the recipient of several prestigious awards. Among these are the Society of Authors (USA) Award 1977 for THE MOUSE HOUSE ABC, the Kentucky Bluegrass Award 1985 for ANGELINA BALLERINA, the British Book Design and Production Award 1990 for ANGELINA'S BIRTHDAY and the Child Study Association's Children's Book of the Year 1990 for ANGELINA'S CHRISTMAS. Three of her books have been chosen for the British Book Design and Production exhibitions, of which ANGELINA BALLERINA won a category award in 1990. In autumn 2001, Hit Entertainment made ANGELINA BALLERINA into a BAFTA-winning TV series with the voices of Dame Judi Dench and her daughter Finty Williams.
Producer
Tamlyn Worrall
Development & Alumni Relations Director: As a consummate professional in the Alumni Relations and Development space, Tamlyn brings years of experience to cultivating relationships with our Old Alfredians. With a footprint in South Africa, Australia, and Japan, Tamlyn proudly calls London home, and it’s here that she’s developed her career in the education sector. At the heart of what she does, Tamlyn loves connecting with and learning about our OAs. She approaches every conversation with a sincere curiosity and warmth, finding herself fascinated by the details of every story. This podcast series was a germ of an idea in 2020 and thanks to a fabulous podcast editor we have finally been able to bring these Old Alfredian stories to a wider audience.
