Author-illustrator Raymond Briggs passes away at 88

Author and illustrator Raymond Briggs has died at the age of 88.

His family confirmed the death in a statement on Wednesday.

"We know that Raymond's books were loved by and touched millions of people around the world, who will be sad to hear this news," they said.

They also expressed that he "was much loved and will be deeply missed".

Briggs’ famous 1978 classic The Snowman finished the runner-up for the Kate Greenaway Medal from the Library Association, recognizing the year's best children's book illustration by a British writer.

It was turned into a Bafta TV award-winning animated TV film in 1982.

The TV film adaptation, which also received an Oscar nomination for the best animated short film, told the story of a young boy, who wakes up after a heavy snowfall and builds a large snowman who later magically comes to life.

Briggs was born in London in 1934 and he attended Wimbledon School of Art and Central School of Art.

After undergoing national service, he returned to study painting at University College London.

He became a professional illustrator, working in advertising, and then creating books as well as teaching illustration at Brighton College of Art.

His 1966 book of nursery rhymes, The Mother Goose Treasury, won the Kate Greenaway medal.