Rupert the Bear at 90

On 8 November 1920 the first part of Mary Tourtel's cartoon character appeared in the pages of the Daily Express. A single frame drawing of a bear dressed like a smart boy in scarf, sweater and checked trousers, was shown being sent off to the shops by his mother. Mary Tourtel continued drawing the daily strip until 1935 when she was forced to give it up due to failing eyesight.

Her place was taken by Alfred Bestall, the son of Methodist missionaries. Bestall's workload piled up as the popularity of Rupert the Bear rose. As well as the successful annuals, there were quarterly booklets and two pictures a day for the newspaper. Alfred Bestall continued drawing the daily strips until 1965 and went on producing covers for the annuals until 1973. He was awarded the MBE in 1985 and died near Porthmadog in 1986. He is buried with his family at Brookwood.

The current artist is Stuart Trotter, a huge admirer of Bestall's work. You can read more on Rupert the Bear's anniversary here and here.

Rupert Bear Museum, Canterbury

Caroline Bott The Life and Works of Alfred Bestall, Illustrator of Rupert the Bear is published by Bloomsbury