Tributes to children's author Graham Oakley of Lyme and Poundbury

Graham Oakley, who died at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, aged 93 after a fall, is described by friends as ‘a self-deprecating but greatly talented man, who will be much missed.’

During the 1970s, whilst working as a production designer for BBC TV, he wrote and illustrated the first of a series of children’s books about the 'church mice' which became an international success, although he had created several other books before this.

The Church Mouse, first published in 1972, told the story of the loveable characters of Sampson, the pacifist church cat, and Arthur, the irrepressible church mouse.

Graham lived most of the last three decades in Dorset, mainly in Lyme Regis, but latterly in Poundbury.

The Church Mouse by Graham Oakley (Image: Newsquest)

There were 12 books in the church mouse series, published in the 1970s and 1980s and the books sold more than a million copies. They captured the hearts and the imaginations of generations of youngsters.

Graham may not have been a household name of the ilk of JK Rowling and Roald Dahl, but his stunning artwork and quirky tales were instantly recognisable by fans everywhere.

He intended to create a series of stories about different public buildings in Wortlethorpe, the imaginary town of the series, but the first book was so successful, that he never got on to the library.

One of Graham's illustrations from the church mice series (Image: Graham Oakley)

The books have vivid and colourful illustrations for very young children to follow, an easy vocabulary for older children to understand, and a few underlying quips for adults to chuckle to.

The distinctive seafront at Lyme, the fossil shops in the town and the Cobb are all captured in the intricate and acutely observed illustrations.

Graham was never happier than when working away in his studio, surrounded by his paints and brushes, and listening to his huge collection of classical music through earphones.

He may have seemed reclusive, living a solitary batchelor life, but he was always glad to see his friends.

Graham's friends Sue and Ian said: "Graham was a modest man by nature; shy and retiring. We knew him in his later years when he was busy writing and illustrating his own exquisite version of ‘Beauty and the Beast’.

"It is a pity no publisher could be found for this unique work.

"Already in his nineties, he would step out with alacrity and a flourish of his stick into the Dorset countryside, marvelling at the beauty of big skies above rolling downland. How we will miss those walks with him

"Even in his last years Graham remained slim, fit and able to work.

"From his doorstep at Poundbury, crossing a nearby green, he could easily reach remains of a Roman fort and enjoy a wide view across the River Frome and beyond.

"Graham died on 19th December 2022 after a fall, stipulating in his will that no fuss should be made. A self-deprecating but greatly talented man, he will be much missed."