Derek Lucas - Secret Seven illustrations

[John Pickup]

Looking again at the comparisons, I can see why the Derek Lucas illustrations are popular.
But the ones by George Brook remind me of growing up and going to school in the late 50s. Like the boys in the SS, I wore a school cap, short trousers, long socks and had a belted raincoat. I just find it so easy to associate myself with the children depicted in Brook's work because they so closely resemble the time I grew up in.
Which is why people of Pete's age can easily associate themselves with the Lucas illustrations, they are of the time.

[pete9012S]

I totally agree John. To me, The Secret Seven (Derek Lucas) are from my younger brother Mike's era. I used to look down on him for reading them, but secretly read his copies when he was out.

I did have just one older edition which was my Dad's. I can't remember which one.
It didn't have a dustjacket, and seemed to come from a much earlier age, even though it must have been about 1971 when my Nan gave it to me.

I have searched long and hard for a Derek Lucas illustration of Peter wearing full school uniform. Not easy, but I eventually found one in Go Ahead Secret Seven:

Bruno Kay v Derek Lucas - Go Ahead Secret Seven:

[Anita Bensoussane]

Thanks for showing the illustrations side by side, Pete. Both artists do a very good job of capturing the essence of the Secret Seven.

[Nick]

It's interesting to see them side by side. I wonder if Lucas' brief was to update existing images and he worked off those rather than drawing his pictures?