Dame Emma Thompson visits German School London

Last month Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler visited the German School London to answer questions and talk about their new book, Jim’s Spectacular Christmas. Both Thompson and Scheffler have signed copies of three of Scheffler’s illustrations which the German School London is auctioning in aid of the Helen Bamber Foundation, The Three Peas and in support of the school.

Axel Scheffler is a frequent visitor, but this was the first time that Emma Thompson had visited. She gave students fantastic advice on how to develop a career in the arts and indeed any career and encouraged them to try whatever appeals to them: “There is no way of knowing in this life except by trying.”

Student, Paula, year 10, was thrilled to meet Emma and to interview her for the school’s pupil magazine: “Emma Thompson was very humorous and totally friendly with us. The interview was relaxed and really funny, too. My mother had baked a stollen for her, which I then presented to her, and she was so happy and asked if she could meet her. Later, when she signed my copy of Jim’s Spectacular Christmas, she thanked me again and even mentioned it in the dedication.”

Emma Thompson and Axel Scheffler have both signed three original illustrations from Jim’s Spectacular Christmas: Prince Albert and Jim, Sir Henry Cole and Jim, both 17 x 13cm, and Jim and Christmas Card 13 x 14 cm. The school is holding an open online auction for the three illustrations in the hope of raising over £1,500 for the Helen Bamber Foundation, The Three Peas and for school projects. If you would like to make a bid, please email events@dslondon.org.uk by the 31st January 2023.