Super Nova

Last week I had an impromptu cup of tea with Oliver Williams – an old family friend from my parent’s bohemian past. We chatted about family memories mainly. What I hadn’t realised was that he was responsible for some of the most iconic illustrations of the 1960s – some were featured in Nova magazine.

Olly was just a student at the time when his work appeared on the cover of Nova in October 1968. His illustrations took famous icons like Twiggy and the Queen and played with the idea of what they might look like in private. True to Nova style the images provoked debate. They could be seen as the precursor to those featured in Colours magazine in the 80s and 90s.

Later that evening I went to pick up my kids from my step-mum. We got talking about Olly’s visit and his talents. She then told me she had the entire collection of Nova magazines stored in her loft. After much begging, it seems they’ll not remain up there for long!