Award-winning Rainham illustrator launches first Ever Medway Activity Book for children

Designer Esther Johnson is used to using her imagination when she creates her award-winning artwork.

But when it came to keeping her young nephew motivated she soon found she was scratching her head for ideas.

So the Chatham-born entrepreneur decided to look into things to do on her doorstep - and was amazed at what she found.

After three years of researching and getting in touch with 42 organisations across the Towns, she has compiled The First Ever Medway Activity Book.

The 24-page publication is packed with illustrations and useful facts about the area where she grew up and still lives - and as well as being a fun children’s colouring book, it has proved an educational journey for her.

The 27-year-old told KentOnline: “ I never knew why the Will Adams roundabout was called that or why there were Japanese-sounding roads leading off it”

Will Adams was a Gillingham-born navigator who became the first Englishman to reach Japan and as a result, Medway has twinning links with the country.

While we may be familiar with links to Charles Dickens and Nelson’s HMS Victory being built in Chatham Dockyard, who knows of the connection between Isaac Newell from Strood and the beautiful game in Argentina?

Football fan Newell went to South America where he pioneered the sport and many years later legendary Lionel Messi joined Newell Old Boys, a team named after him.

Esther, who works from a bedroom at her Rainham home, said: “I hope it encourages people to explore what we have here. It certainly surprised me what is on offer.

“I thought I‘d have a couple of bits about Strood and Rainham, but I ended up having to edit down,”

Her inspiration was drawn after years of looking after Samuel, now aged five, since he was a baby.

She added: “He loves it, although some of it’s a bit more for older children. He loves the colouring.”

Working with Fort Amherst Medway Rugby Club, and the Royal Engineers Museum, she already had good contacts, but she delved deeper to include lesser-known groups and attractions.

The designer explained: “I wanted to get some hands-on experience and I wanted it to be diverse.

“I spent time on the Edith May barge and went to the zoo at the Fenn Bell pub.”

The first ever Medway Activity Book is currently available online. Click here to find out more information and where to purchase it in-person.

Esther set up her business Designed By Esther with the support of The Prince’s Trust charity in 2017.

Since then she has worked with museums and heritage sites, including the National History Museum, the House of Commons and Canterbury Cathedral, creating bespoke artwork for their gift shops.

After dropping out of university with depression, Esther never dreamt she’d end up in a career in design.

She got a part-time job in a fabric shop in London where she was introduced to the enterprise programme at the Trust and she was commissioned to do work for Chatham Historic Dockyard.

From there she has gone from strength to strength and last month was voted winner in the Kent Women in Business Awards..

Last year, she won a competition to come up with a new look for Nescafe Azera’s coffee tins.

As well as the satisfaction of seeing her work piled high on supermarket shelves she picked up a cash prize.

Esther hosted a book launch attended by Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst, Medway councillors and various community groups.