Collectors will be familiar with Darlington’s commitment to presenting The Otherworld, in which the rules of scientific law and systems of belief are challenged and restructured on new foundations. Alternative realities for the artist have typically been deeply rooted in ancient mysteries and folklores. As never before, The Worlds Collide is the very first work to be set in contemporary times, soaring above the moonlit iconic skyline of London. Big Ben, the London Eye and St. Pauls sit amongst a glittering array of lamp filled windows. But this isn’t quite the capital we know; children (and pugs) can fly, dragons are real, and magic carpets exist.

Densely detailed, above the city a compact yet strong little girl rides a dragon sounding the battle call. Arms lifted, cupping her hands to her mouth to shout to her comrades above the roar of the Thames river and bustle of London below, she is the figurehead of a tribe fighting for good. Wanting to portray a young heroine centrally to her story in a place of strength, power and freedom, Darlington based her likeness on her niece.

Often listening to audio books whilst painting, the artist reveals that she was listening to beloved series Harry Potter by JK Rowling whilst working.

Darlington herself is unsure if the group ever actually fights, having not imagined the story so far ahead for now. The vigour of the composition is the evocative call to arms across all magic creatures for the benefit of all in the conflict against dark forces. Four dragons in bejewelled colours of purple, emerald and indigo blue carry children atop their backs. Whilst part of a modern zeitgeist reminiscent of the use of fire-breathers in Harry Potter and A Song of Ice and Fire (novels on which overwhelming popular Game of Thrones television series is based), the artist admits her Welsh roots might have subliminally influenced their appearance in The Worlds Collide.

Joining the fray is a stunning winged horse, the purest shade of ivory white, plus wand waving young witches and wizards on broomsticks. Darlington’s famous love of dog’s also make an appearance, led by her the eldest of her brood, charismatic pug Che Guevara. An eccentric group of creatures that are collected on the journey, the gang prove that power comes from the most unexpected of places.

The initial piece in what promises to be a new story for Kerry Darlington to tell, it is hard not to draw parallels with classic first works Come Away Come Away and Mad Hatters Tea Party which remain amongst the most coveted works from Darlington’s back catalogue. Each were the primary pieces released from the Peter Pan and Alice series respectively, and early collectors have found secondary market values rising particularly on these titles. Indeed, the artist herself recollects starting to paint The Worlds Collide and being reminded of earlier pieces.

With a distinctly progressive flavour and with a nod to animation, The Worlds Collide blurs the line of fantasy and reality, tearing at the fringes of our universe to usher in magic and wizardry. Officially unveiled on Friday 7th September, pre-orders are now open on this astonishing new unique edition. A small edition of just 195 pieces, it is anticipated to possibly sell out on pre-order prior to launch date. Each piece is offered with a complimentary hand-signed keepsake charm.