author
Fougasse
1887–1965
Best known for sharp, economical cartoons and the famous wartime slogan "Careless Talk Costs Lives," this British artist brought humor and clarity to everyday life. His work for Punch, London Transport, and government posters made him one of the most recognizable graphic voices of mid-20th-century Britain.
1 Audiobook
Drawn at a Venture: A Collection of Drawings
by Fougasse
About the author
A British cartoonist and illustrator, Fougasse was the pen name of Cyril Kenneth Bird, born in London on December 17, 1887. He first trained as an engineer, but after being badly wounded while serving in the First World War, he turned more fully toward drawing and developed the spare, instantly readable style that became his trademark.
He became widely known through Punch magazine, where he worked for many years and later served as editor from 1949 to 1953. Alongside his magazine work, he designed posters for London Transport and for the British government during the Second World War, including the much-remembered "Careless Talk Costs Lives" campaign.
What makes Fougasse memorable is how much character he could suggest with very few lines. His drawings are light, witty, and precise, and even when they are playful, they show a keen eye for human habits, small embarrassments, and everyday absurdity. He died on June 11, 1965.