In 2024, we marked the 155th anniversary of “The People’s Friend” by not only looking back over our long history, but also looking forward to our exciting next chapter.
After several months of blood, sweat, tears and laughter, we introduced a vibrant new look to a title that has been loved by millions over many decades.
Inside, the magazine was given a “fresh lick of paint,” while continuing to focus on the first-class fiction we know our readers love.
As always, the “Friend” continues to offer high-quality stories, features, recipes, craft inspiration, and advice that readers around the world enjoy in every issue.
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Synonymous with “The Friend”, our weekly cover illustrations also undertook a considered refresh. Throughout 2024, we toured the country, featuring exciting weekly cover destinations ranging from the scenic Isle of Skye to the spectacular Jurassic Coast.
Today, Stuart, our editor, shares a small selection of his favourite covers from the past year, beginning on the Cornish coast.
1. Feb 24
Our first new-look issue of The People’s Friend magazine (DC Thomson)
This was our first new-look issue. We needed it to capture what the spirit of “The People’s Friend” would be going forward while remaining true to the values that have propelled the magazine through 155 years of publishing success.
David Young’s depiction of Looe, Cornwall (DC Thomson)
David Young’s depiction of Looe did that and more. It was an eye-catching, bright, and vibrant start to our next chapter.
2. April 13
Portmeirion, Wales was the cover destination for this issue (DC Thomson)
This was the cover where we started to realise the potential for our new illustration style.
It was bright, vibrant, unusual and unlike anything else the “Friend” had produced. Luckily, readers agreed and we got a lot of positive feedback on this one.
3. August 17
This week’s issue contained an eye-catching smart gilet craft project to tackle (DC Thomson)
Although we have a new-look, that doesn’t mean things have to be radically different.
We are still quintessentially the “Friend” our readers have always known and loved, and this cover – a traditional image given a modern twist – perfectly exemplifies this.
4. Dec 7
Our festive bumper included 23 fabulous short stories (DC Thomson)
“The People’s Friend” Christmas bumper issues are a big deal in many ways! The magazine is bigger and it has a bigger cover price, so we have to do everything in our power to make this a festive treat for our readers.
We had long conversations and looked at many, many different pic references before deciding on the Cotswolds. I think this cover is full of Christmas cheer, which is exactly what we wanted it to be.
5. June 29
Neil McAllister explored idyllic Ilfracombe in this issue (DC Thomson)
Our new style of cover is a work in progress. We are always trying to evolve and do as good a job as possible for our readers.
As we moved into the summer, we wanted to capture the quintessential British seaside scene in our new style. Here, our team did a fantastic job.
The flashes of colour from the boats and buildings, against the backdrop of the golden sand, really work. In the spirit of making sure there is something for everyone, we threw in a little bit of chilliness with a South Pole story, too!
6. August 24
This next cover captures Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond, beautifully (DC Thomson)
“The People’s Friend” has carried illustrated depictions of iconic UK destinations for decades, and what I like about this cover is it takes something very old – Loch Lomond – and brings it right up to date, while still retaining the spectacular beauty of nature.
The spectacular beauty of Loch Lomond captured in our new illustration style (DC Thomson)
Again, it is a testament to the creativity of our illustrators, designers and cover artists, that they unfailingly manage to catch the eye of the reader with their brilliant work.
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