Ester Gaya (Author)
Ester Gaya is a senior research leader at Kew. She began her career in mycology in Spain and after some time in the USA decided to settle in the UK. She has spent the past 20 years researching fungi. She is especially fascinated by lichens and tries to understand their evolution.

Katie Scott Limited (Illustrator)
Katie Scott is a London-based illustrator known for her intricate, nature-inspired artwork. Since graduating from the University of Brighton in 2011, she has developed a distinctive style influenced by traditional botanical and medical illustration, blending scientific detail with imaginative design. Her work appears in acclaimed books such as Animalium and Botanicum, and she has collaborated with brands and institutions including Hermès, Nike and Kew Gardens.