Phil May (1864-1903) - Signed 1893 Pen and Ink Drawing New York Policemen

Description

A characterful cartoon study of policemen by British cartoonist Phil May. Presented in a card mount, with a 'The Graphic' label on the reverse, signed and inscribed. Signed and dated. On wove.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration. With pinhole marks to the edges of the artwork, mount burn and light foxing, as shown.

Size

10.3 x 6.4cm (4.1" x 2.5")
Sheet: 23.8 x 18.8cm (9.4" x 7.4")

Artist Biography

Painter, illustrator and caricaturist universally known as Phil May. He was born in New Wortley a suburb of Leeds and on leaving school at 13 he worked variously in a solicitor's office, estate agents, music shop and in an iron foundry. By 1878 he had his first drawings published in local newspapers and in 1879 worked in the Grand Theatre painting scenery. He toured with the theatre company and became a bit-part actor. By the mid-1880's he had moved to London where he designed costume at the Avenue Theatre. In 1886 he travelled to Australia for a three year period during which time he worked on the Sydney Bulletin and draw more than 800 sketches for the journal. Returning to England he was attached to The Graphic and in 1893 drew his first sketches for the Illustrated London News, The Sketch and for Punch. Many of his caricatures were published by Raphael Tuck & Sons and he was elected a member of the New English Art Club, Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours and held solo exhibitions at the Leicester Galleries and the Fine Art Society. May also exhibited at the Royal Academy and the Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts. Phil May was a member of the Langham Sketch Club and London Sketch Club and his works are held by many public collections. These include the British Museum, Leeds City Art Gallery, Museums Sheffield, National Portrait Gallery, Newport Art Gallery, Penlee House Museum, Tate Gallery and Victoria & Albert Museum.