Aptly entitled 'Beard and Wonderful', the first solo exhibition of illustrator Suzie Winsor launches at London's KK Outlet gallery this February. Featuring a collection of 'great men and their even greater folical accomplishments', the London-based artist has captured the images of the instantly recognisable beards of our time from Jarvis Cocker, Sebastien Tellier, and Geoff Keegan (Byker Grove) to Charles Darwin. Having worked alongside the likes of Paul Smith, Tatty Devine and Rob Ryan, Winsor has continued the trend of artists with a delightful sense of humour and personality in their illustrations. 

Dazed Digital: You venture in both photography and illustration... which is your favourite medium to explore?
Suzie Winsor: Illustration is something I've enjoyed from a very young age and I find it really relaxing. Photography I started at A Level and find a bit trickier because the technical side! I'd say I prefer to do illustration I think.

DD: You've worked with bands and designers already, who would be your dream collaboration?
Suzie Winsor: My dream collaboration was to work with Belle and Sebastian. I still have to pinch myself when I see my name on the website because I still can't believe it happened! I absolutely love them.

DD: What is it about beards that draws you to.... draw them?
Suzie Winsor: I think beards add a lot of character. They can make a face look kind, intellectual and distinguished. I'm definitely not a fan of sculpted beards though a la Beppe from Eastenders or Craig David.

DD: First beards, what's next?
Suzie Winsor: I'm not sure about my next project yet. I have a couple of ideas but nothing is definite at the moment.

DD: Who is your favourite bearded man?
Suzie Winsor: My favourite bearded man is Jarvis Cocker.

DD: What next have you got planned?
Suzie Winsor: I've been working with friends on gig posters recently and doing my own t-shirt designs. I'm hoping to get some printed in the next few months.

KK Outlet, 42 Hoxton Square, London; The exhibition runs from 4 - 27 February 2011