Phil May

Philip William May was born near Leeds in April 1864 and became one of the most influential British caricaturists of the late 19th century. After a difficult early life and varied jobs, he built his career in journalism and illustration, including an important period working in Australia before returning to Britain.

He became especially celebrated for black-and-white drawings that captured street life, social types, and political personalities with wit and remarkable simplicity. His work appeared in major publications including Punch, and his pared-down line was widely seen as a move away from heavier Victorian illustration toward the modern cartoon.

May died in London in August 1903, still only 39. Though his life was short, his style had a lasting effect on caricature and comic illustration in Britain and beyond.