Charlie Mackesy at Fortnum's

British artist, illustrator, and author, Charlie Mackesy, is one of those rather special human beings whose work strikes a chord. And it strikes deep. He makes you pause and think.

Best known for his internationally bestselling book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Charlie’s illustrations and words offer a quiet kind of wisdom - gentle, profound, and deeply human. His art is rooted in compassion, vulnerability, and hope, often exploring themes of friendship, courage, and the beauty of imperfection.

Charlie started his career as a cartoonist before becoming a book illustrator, with his award-winning work featuring in galleries, private collections and public spaces around the world… and now, he comes to Fortnum’s.

We’re thrilled to be helping Charlie celebrate the launch his second book, Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm, and we have got so much for you to enjoy…

Enjoy a Slice of The Mole Cake

"Ever since I was a child, Fortnum's conjured up visions of tea, cake and delicious treats to eat. It seemed like the cake capital of the world - the Mole's dream - which is why it's such a thrill to create something like this together." 

Charlie Mackesy

As avowed sweet tooths ourselves, it’s always an honour and a privilege to meet a fellow cake lover, even in illustrated form. The mole’s gentle yet wholehearted love of cake is constant and unwavering, turning to this most delicious indulgence in almost all situations…

Created by our own Roger Pizey, Executive Pastry Chef here at Fortnum’s, this three-tiered Victoria Sponge Mole Cake is a delectable celebration of The Mole character: and the good news is that there are many ways you can enjoy this special cake.

Between 9^th October - 4th January, you can purchase a slice from our Ground Floor Patisserie Counter at our Piccadilly store, or if you’d prefer to sit and enjoy it, our Mole Cake will also be served in The Parlour on our 1^st Floor where you’ll find the walls adorned with bespoke illustrations drawn by Charlie, alongside a limited-edition menu that reflects his heartwarming narration and gentle philosophy.

And for any keen bakers, you can find the recipe below, so you can recreate The Mole Cake at home.

 Cake for a Good Cause 

For every Mole Cake purchased at the Patisserie Counter or The Parlour Restaurant, £1 will be donated to Centrepoint*, the UK’s leading charity providing accommodation and vital support to young people experiencing homelessness. Learn more about their work at centrepoint.org.uk. *Registered Charity No. 292411.

The Mole Cake Recipe

Step 1 of 3: Genoise Sponge 

Ingredients:

·       3 medium eggs 

·       100g caster sugar, plus a little extra for dusting the finished cake 

·       90g plain flour 

·       12g cornflour 

·       12g melted butter, plus 5g for brushing the sponge rings 

Equipment: 

·       6 x stainless steel rings (70mm x 40mm) 

·       Non-stick baking mat 

Method: 

1.     Preheat the oven to 170°C (fan) or 175°C (conventional). 

2.     Butter the inside of the rings and lightly dust with flour. Place them on a non-stick baking mat. 

3.     In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until the mixture has doubled in volume. 

4.     Sift the plain flour and cornflour together, then gently fold into the egg mixture. 

5.     Carefully fold in the melted butter until fully incorporated. 

6.     Spoon the mixture evenly into the prepared rings. 

7.     Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. 

8.     Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. 

9.     Once cooled, slice each sponge horizontally into three equal layers. 

Step 2 of 3 : Crème Chantilly 

Ingredients: 

·       180g double cream 

·       15g icing sugar 

·       ¼ tsp vanilla extract 

Method: 

1.     In a bowl, whisk the double cream and vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks and ribbons when lifting the whisk. 

2.     Sift in the icing sugar and gently fold into the cream. 

3.     Chill in the fridge until ready to use. 

Step 3 of 3: Final Assembly 

1.     Spread a spoonful of Fortnum’s Strawberry Preserve onto the bottom layer of each sponge. 

2.     Spoon a layer of Crème Chantilly over the jam. 

Charlie Mackesy on his special characters, The Mole's surpise and delight at having a cake made in his name, and the inspiration behind his new book.

How did you develop your four wonderful hero characters?  

To be truthful I think the characters developed themselves quite slowly – and initially I had no idea I was making a book. They arrived one by one. The boy walked alone in the wilds and met the mole. They chatted in the snow about life and often sat on branches. This took a while. The fox arrived silently at night and the horse they met a while later in the wood. I don’t think I was trying to develop anything... I was just enjoying seeing how it all unfolded. I suppose they revealed themselves. I realised at some point that they were all different parts of me – of us all perhaps.

On reflection the boy is the child in us that questions everything – full of wonder and often fear. The horse is the deepest part – the soul perhaps. The fox represents the part that has been hurt and is shy – even wary because of it, and the mole is the bit of us that is hungry for everything – in the mole’s case – cake. His love and commitment to cake has always made me laugh. He doesn’t understand why everyone isn’t as obsessed as he is. I can see myself in all of them – but often the mole.

Cake is very central to Mole’s character and story. What’s the significance of cake? Does it hold a  personal significance to you?

I was brought up in a deeply rural part of Northumberland. As a boy I helped shepherds on the hills – which was beautiful but often freezing, and when we got indoors we inevitably had tea. All of them seemed to have a deep affection for cake. Well-worn cake tins were always on kitchen tables and it was rare we didn’t have a slice with a cup of tea.

I think cake represents affection and warmth to me... and the beauty of the hills. They often baked cakes, shared cake, and gave them to each other – so it represents a central part of friendship to me. The mole reminds me of those people – funny, generous, warm and kind.

What do you think Mole might say to having his own Mole Cake at Fortnum’s? 

The mole would be overwhelmed and speechless for a while that anyone would make him a special cake.

He would be intrigued by Fortnum’s.

He would ask, “Oh. Is it a cake palace?” and “What is London? A wood full of cake shops?”.

He would want to know all about it and how his cake tasted. He would probably ask the others if they could make the journey to Piccadilly and when he finally sees his cake he would tremble and say, “Well I... goodness me... thank you… oh my... look at that. Well hello!”

What’s the inspiration behind your second book, Always Remember? 

Always Remember is the characters’ continued journey of wandering in the wilds. Many of the drawings in Always Remember were originally shared during the pandemic and I’ve continued drawing them since. I think it seemed right to put them all into a book. I remember seeing photos of some of the drawings printed out and stuck on lamp posts, hospital and school walls across the world.

This moved me so much – that these characters were part of so many people’s lives in a very tough time. I’m still amazed by the human spirit and how we all pulled together. I often want to say ‘well done’, because I don’t think many people hear that – especially adults. So a page in the book has the words; “One day you will look back and realise how hard it was and just how well you did.”

The boy goes through quite a difficult time in the book – being separated from his friends for a while, which was his deepest fear. He does so well to get through it. So well done him – well done everyone.

Your style of illustration and storytelling is hugely distinctive – you manage to capture so well the moments and sentiments familiar to us all and provide comfort and warmth with your words. What’s your favourite part of your storytelling? 

That’s kind. Thank you. I love telling the stories and making drawings. Strangely I think my favourite part of storytelling is when I hear other people’s stories of how the drawings been part of their lives. I find this very moving.

Take a Piece of Charlie's World Home With You...

Available online and in-store, we have a collection of wonderful limited-edition products for you to delight in and enjoy at home.

Join Charlie in Piccadilly for these special events...

Afternoon Tea & Drawing with Charlie Mackesy

Charlie Mackesy Book Signing & Afternoon Tea

Inspiration

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