Edward Tennyson Reed

Born in Greenwich in 1860, Edward Tennyson Reed was an English political cartoonist and illustrator who became especially associated with Punch magazine. He was the son of Sir Edward James Reed, was educated at Harrow, and originally studied for the Bar before turning seriously toward art.

Reed built his reputation through caricature and political cartooning, and he is often remembered for the energy and imagination of his drawings. Alongside parliamentary satire, he created popular comic series such as Prehistoric Peeps, using invented scenes and exaggerated characters to poke fun at modern habits and society.

He continued contributing to Punch for many years and remained a distinctive figure in British illustration until his death in 1933. His work still stands out for its quick wit, confident draftsmanship, and ability to make even historical or fantastical subjects feel mischievously current.