Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: A Very Special Edition

Roald Dahl (1916–1990) was born in Wales of Norwegian parents. He spent his childhood in England and, at age eighteen, went to work for the Shell Oil Company in Africa. When World War II broke out, he joined the Royal Air Force and became a fighter pilot. At the age of twenty-six he moved to Washington, DC, and it was there he began to write. His first short story, which recounted his adventures in the war, was bought by the Saturday Evening Post, and so began a long and illustrious career.

After establishing himself as a writer for adults, Roald Dahl began writing children's stories in 1960 while living in England with his family. His first stories were written as entertainment for his own children, to whom many of his books are dedicated.

Roald Dahl is now considered one of the most beloved storytellers of our time. Although he passed away in 1990, his popularity continues to increase as his fantastic novels, including James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, The BFG, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, delight an ever-growing legion of fans.

Armando Veve is an award-winning illustrator and artist. His illustrations depict uncanny juxtapositions, whimsical storytelling, and commentary on contemporary and historical subjects. His vividly detailed compositions have been printed in numerous national publications, exhibited in galleries, and installed in subway stations and other public settings. He is a Society of Illustrators gold medalist, an ADC Young Gun, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. He studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and now lives in Philadelphia. In 2023, he was awarded a Pew Fellowship in the Arts from the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

In addition to his studio practice, Veve teaches illustration at Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

Illustrator Residence:Philadelphia, PA