Alice Tait: Illustrating Imagination

Alice Tait is a celebrated British illustrator and author whose hand-drawn creations grace the pages of beloved children’s books from Walker Books, and the covers of world-renowned brands. From Penguin and Vogue to Waitrose restaurants - including the café wallpaper right here in Bath - and Chanel invitations, her versatile artistry has a distinct, timeless charm.

Alice came to Bath as a student in 1999 and later earned a first-class degree from Bath Spa University, studying under Tim Vyner, now Professor of Illustration. Since then, she has continued her close connection to the city - now represented by Gill McLay at Bath Literary Agency, working with local businesses and appearing at the Bath Children’s Literature Festival.

Alice’s personal brand, Alice Tait London, has become the UK’s much-loved range of London-themed gifts. Her collection even adorned iconic locations such as Tower Bridge and the Historic Royal Palaces. Locally, her illustrated Map of Bath range can be found in Rossiter’s and The Roman Baths gift shop, and her ‘No, Nancy, No!’ children’s books are stocked at Mr B’s Emporium.

Behind this artistic success is a foundation of practical support. “HSBC UK’s free UK digital banking¹ makes managing day-to-day finances simple, so I can focus on what matters - creating,” she says. The convenience and flexibility of digital tools mean Alice can send invoices, track expenses and stay organised, right from her studio.

Alice opened her first HSBC UK personal banking account when she was 15, and she’s never looked back. “There are so many difficult parts to my work, but thankfully banking has always been easy.” Over the years, she turned her passion into a business and was able to sit down and talk to someone in the bank. HSBC UK has been there through all the chapters of her life - from child, to student, to small business owner and now, director of a limited company.

For Alice, illustration is more than a career. It’s a creative rhythm woven into family life, as she encourages her own children to read, be told stories and engage with storytelling. She credits her artist husband, friends and family as vital support - it’s genuinely a family act. As she moves into more luxury and high-end commissions, her work continues to evolve. With each whimsical line and heartfelt page turn, she continues to charm both children and adults - all while running a business built on passion, professionalism, and purpose, one sketch at a time.

With no monthly account fee and free UK digital banking¹, we’re helping small businesses like Alice’s do more. Search HSBC Small Business Banking Account to see how we could support yours.