Award-winning illustrator accuses Paddington 2 film-makers of ripping her off by copying her London landmarks pop-up book at the heart of hit movie's plot

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An award-winning illustrator has accused Paddington 2 film-makers of copying her London landmarks pop-up book at the heart of the hit movie's plot. 

Creator Jennie Maizels claims the designs are based on her own and wants those behind the children's blockbuster to acknowledge they copied her ideas.

The Hampshire-based artist creator Pop-up London which features paper replicas of Buckingham palace, St Paul's Cathedral and other London landmarks. 

The book was published in 2011 and became a bestseller.

Creator Jennie Maizels claims the designs are based on her own and wants those behind the children's blockbuster to acknowledge they copied her ideas

The Hampshire-based artist creator Pop-up London which features paper replicas of Buckingham palace, St Paul's Cathedral and other London landmarks

Paddington 2's production company Studio Canal came to Ms Maizels asking if she would be interested in collaborating with them for the sequel to the blockbuster Paddington.

But after she cost her services at £30,000 to split between her and her engineer, they said they would work with an in-house designer instead.

Months later, Ms Maizels went to watch the movie at the cinema where within minutes of the opening scene - featuring a paper mechanical draw bridge - she quickly realised she was seeing her designs on scene.

Months later, Ms Maizels went to watch the movie at the cinema where within minutes of the opening scene - featuring a paper mechanical draw bridge - she quickly realised she was seeing her designs on scene

To add insult to injury, following the film, Studio Canal released a book-version strikingly similar to Ms Maizel's 2011 best-seller, she claims

She told The Telegraph: 'I thought, "Gosh, that's my book!". I was so upset It is a hrrible gut-wrenching feeling that they have taken the whole thing and done it without telling me.'   

She wrote the film maker requesting and apology and a credit but was denied.

They told her firmly there had been no copying whatsoever.   

The Telegraph reports they argued the look and feel was different.

To add insult to injury, following the film, Studio Canal released a book-version strikingly similar to Ms Maizel's 2011 best-seller, she claims.

Ms Maizels cannot afford to take the case to court and says she feels 'powerless' against the firm.

Studio Canal has been contacted for comment.