author
Fougasse
1887–1965
Known for crisp, witty drawings and a gift for saying a lot with very little, this British cartoonist helped shape the look of modern humor in print. He is especially remembered for his work for Punch and for the unforgettable wartime slogan "Careless Talk Costs Lives."
1 Audiobook
Drawn at a Venture: A Collection of Drawings
by Fougasse
About the author
Born Cyril Kenneth Bird in 1887, Fougasse became one of Britain’s best-known cartoonists and illustrators. He studied engineering before turning seriously to art, and after being badly wounded while serving at Gallipoli in the First World War, he began contributing cartoons to Punch during his recovery.
His style was spare, direct, and instantly recognizable, making him a natural fit for posters as well as magazines. During the Second World War he created popular public-information and propaganda images, including the famous "Careless Talk Costs Lives" campaign, and he also produced memorable work for London Transport.
Fougasse later played a major role at Punch, serving as its editor from 1949 to 1953. He died in 1965, but his cartoons and posters are still admired for their clarity, humor, and sharp sense of observation.