About Us
Jeremy Furness, Author and Co-Illustrator
Jeremy’s passion for motorcycles stem from his school days in the Devonshire countryside. His first motorcycle was a ex-Royal Mail BSA Bantam, a marque that was to remain close to his heart for many years to come. In Australia he was to become an active member and eventually President of the BSA Owners’ Association, foundation member of the Norton Owners’ Club and raced for both for Hartwell MCC and the Historic Racing Association of Victoria.
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The passion for motorcycles, writing and art has bought Jeremy to write and illustrate for children on a subject that has been so much part of his life. It is not surprising that Jeremy’s first motorcycle is brought to life in the character Barry. Set in a time where life was a little less rushed and perhaps a little friendlier, the tales of Barry and his friends are captured for the young readers to enjoy.
Mary Ann Furness - Illustrator
In the early 1980s, Mary Ann worked for Longman Cheshire focusing on
Educational books for primary level. After four years with Longman Cheshire, with two years as a production controller, Mary Ann became a freelance designer and illustrator for some of the largest publishing houses of the world. Her skills have been used by Longman Cheshire, Thomas Nelson, McGraw Hill, Oxford University Press, Melbourne University Press, Cambridge University Press and many others.
From 1999 to 2003 Mary Ann joined Mimosa Publishing and worked as a full time Illustrator producing educational books and learning materials for the domestic and the U.S.A. markets.
Mary Ann’s extensive experience illustrating childrens’ books, along with a family of four boys and Jeremy’s passion for motorcycles, have been some of the vital ingredients which helped bring ‘Barry the Bike’ books to life. The ‘Barry the Bike’ illustrations reflect Mary Ann’s love of art and illustration and are sure to provide enjoyment to many young readers.