Inscribed “Sometimes,” said the mole, “the tiniest act of kindness can save a life”, signed bottom centre Charlie Mackesy

Charlie Mackesy’s drawings which follow the developing friendship of a boy, travelling and posing questions to animal companions, began in 2019. Mackesy’s drawings convey the universal themes of friendship, kindness and vulnerability. Through the sharing of his drawings on social media, these drawings received great acclaim & caught the public’s imagination, opening up conversations around love, hope, mental health and grief.

Mackesy arranged a collection of his drawings into a loose narrative, which was published as The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse. This heartwarming story became a bestseller. The book was then adapted as an animated short, making its debut on British TV on Christmas Eve of 2022. Since then, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has won a BAFTA at the EE BAFTAs 2023 (19th February) for Best British Animated Short and is currently nominated for an Oscar (for Best Animated Short Film) at the forthcoming 95th Academy Awards in March 2023.