Timothy Birdsall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Timothy Birdsall
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| Born |
Timothy Birdsall
10 May 1936 London, England
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| Died | 10 June 1963 (aged 27) London, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Cartoonist |
| Known for | That Was the Week that Was, Sunday Times "Little Cartoon" |
Timothy Birdsall (born May 10, 1936 – died June 10, 1963) was a talented English cartoonist. He was known for his clever drawings and his work on TV.
Contents
Timothy Birdsall's Life and Work
Timothy Birdsall was born in London, England. He showed his artistic talent early on.
Early Life and College Years
When Timothy was a student at Christ's College, Cambridge University, he drew pictures for the student magazine called Granta. He was part of a creative group of students in the late 1950s. This group included people who later became very famous, like Peter Cook and Ian McKellen.
Becoming a Cartoonist
Timothy's first job was with The Sunday Times newspaper. He drew a small cartoon that appeared on the front page. This was called the 'Little Cartoon'.
He became even more famous for his appearances on a popular BBC TV show called That Was The Week That Was. On the show, he would draw cartoons live in the studio using an ink-marker on paper. People loved watching him create his drawings right there on TV.
Timothy also drew for other well-known magazines. He contributed to Private Eye and became the main political cartoonist for The Spectator. A political cartoonist draws pictures that make fun of or comment on politicians and current events.
His Cartoons and What They Showed
Timothy often drew funny pictures of the Prime Minister at the time, Harold Macmillan. He also drew Harold Wilson and Lord Beaverbrook. His cartoons sometimes made fun of how Britain was changing in the 1960s. He also drew about important news events, like the Profumo scandal, which was a big political event.
Timothy Birdsall was a very promising artist. Sadly, he became ill and passed away at the young age of 27 from leukaemia.
After His Death
After Timothy's death, the BBC made a special TV show to remember him. His friends, Michael Frayn and Bamber Gascoigne, also put together an exhibition of his drawings in London.
Timothy Birdsall also illustrated several books. These included The Theatres of London and The Day Of The Dog. Even though he died young, he left behind many memorable cartoons and illustrations.
