The illustrator, painter, sculptor, creator of posters and stage design, was born in Bogucice near Wieliczka in 1930. He studied painting at the Art Academy in Cracow (MFA 1955) and art history at the Jagiellonian University (MA 1954). Wilkoń created illustrations for more than 100 books in Poland (among them Pan Tadeusz by A. Mickiewicz 1973, Don Quixote by M. de Cervantes) and more than 80 children’s books abroad. Wilkoń received numerous awards and prizes, among them Deutscher Jugendbuchpreise in 1964, State Award for his work in children’s books category and the Prize for his life’s work achievements from the Ministry of Culture in 2005. In 2010 he received Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta and Golden Scepter from the Polish Culture Foundation. Józef Wilkoń had numerous individual exhibitions throughout Europe, e.g. at the Centre Georges Pompidou in 1989 and at Warsaw’s Gallery Zachęta in 2006, where his show was visited by record number of visitors. Wilkoń’s works can be found in many galleries and museums all over the World, e.g. in Museum of Illustration in Moulin in France, Museum of Illustration in Oshima, Azumo and Koruisaua in Japan, Museum of Literature and National Library both in Warsaw. In 2009 Wilkoń illustrated The Book of Jungle by R. Kipling. Psie życie, which he wrote and illustrated, was recognized as the most beautiful book of 2011 and awarded the Bronze Medal in the 50th anniversary Best Designed Books from all over the World International Competition 2013. In 2014 he received the Presidential Couple Award for outstanding achievements in works for children and young people.