From a rainbow-radiating hippo to a “dandy lion” and a protective helmet for a stand-up comic, celebrities have let their imaginations run wild to transform random shapes into works of art.
The original illustrations, created by developing an outline drawn by children’s laureate Anthony Browne, went up for auction yesterday to raise cash for the Rainbow Trust charity in the UK.
The completed drawings included a colourful “protective helmet for a stand-up comedian” by Jo Brand, which helpfully includes a “giant tickling stick”, a “heckle neutraliser” and “joke-generating liquid”.
Tara Palmer-Tomkinson also created a hat for her stylishly-dressed female figure, who bears a resemblance to the socialite with razor-sharp cheekbones.
The Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler turned his shape into a Roman figure with a striking profile and wearing a huge hat, topped off with red feathers.
Former sprinter Linford Christie drew a speedy-looking bird while writer and illustrator Michael Foreman created a riot of colour, transforming his shape into a hippo head with a rainbow and surfing animals pouring out of the animal’s cavernous mouth.
Mr Browne, who played the shape game as a child with his brother Michael on wet afternoons in west Yorkshire, is known for his surreal images of gorillas. He created his own creature monkeying around in a colourful spotted outfit and holding a banana aloft.
Mr Browne said: “Although on one level it’s just a game, I believe that it encapsulates the act of creation... everything comes from something else, inspiration is everywhere.
“I am thrilled that so many big names have joined in to play The Shape Game and I’ve had enormous pleasure looking through their artworks – it’s fascinating to get a glimpse inside the minds of celebrities!
The Rainbow Trust supports families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness.
Animals were a popular theme, with children’s author and illustrator Emily Gravett creating an owl.
Meanwhile, comic actress Meera Syal turned her shape into a monocle-wearing “dandy lion”, with a cigarette holder and a drink.
And TV funnyman Leigh Francis, who is behind Bo! Selecta and Celebrity Juice, chose to pay homage to 1980s high-school hero Teen Wolf.
Best-selling Tracy Beaker author Dame Jacqueline Wilson created a “Beaker Easter Bonnet” with her design.
Designer Rob Ryan injected romance into his shape with the addition of a kissing couple.