U.K.-based Dahl and Dahl, the literary estate of one of the world’s most well known and loved authors, Roald Dahl, has announced a new Dahl brand licensing program. London-based independent Suzanne Ross-Bain, acting as agent to Dahl and Dahl and illustrator Quentin Blake, represents all worldwide merchandising rights, excluding publishing (except those associated with film deals). A comprehensive style guide and library has been put together by design agency The Nest, which also created a new Roald Dahl logo. All the licensed merch will feature Quentin Blake’s artwork.

Although the program will concentrate on more well known books like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The Fantastic Mr. Fox, the rest of Dahl’s titles will possibly be made available. No licensees have been signed yet. Previously, the only licensing for the Dahl properties was done by Nestlé. Through Warner Bros.’ image rights for The Adventures of Mr. Willy Wonka, Nestlé was licensed globally for chocolate products.

A U.K. Dahl visibility boost comes in March 2001 with the U.K. relaunch of all the Dahl paperback titles by Puffin Books, all with new covers featuring the artwork of Blake, Dahl’s principal illustrator. A Dahl website,

www.roalddahl.org, is also in development for launch this September.