Ed McLachlan 1940 - 2024

 "One day, my son, you will be able to walk to America."

 

British cartoonist Ed McLachlan, best known for his cartoons in Punch, The Evening Standard, The Daily Mirror, Private Eye, and Playboy, as well as the children's book series Simon In the Land of Chalk Drawings, passed away on September 29th. He was 84. No other information is available at this time.

"Widely regarded as one of the greatest English cartoonists, Ed McLachlan offered a comical but often cutting commentary on modern life. From his gormless, baggy-suited businessmen to his ungainly bucktoothed women, his undeniably British sense of humour made him a master of the macabre with an eye for the ridiculous. In every cleverly observed image, he takes the mundane and delivers the hilariously absurd." - Chris Beetles Gallery

Lambiek:

"Early life and career
"Edward Rolland McLachlan was born in 1940 in Humberton, Leicestershire. Between 1956 and 1961, he studied at Leicester College of Art (nowadays DeMontfort University), while he published some cartoons in Lucifer, the College Rag Magazine. One of his fellow students was Graham Baker, who'd later become a film director, best known for the cult movie 'Alien Nation' (1988). Baker motivated McLachlan to make a career out of his drawing skills. Still, he felt reluctant to follow this advice. Years later, between 1967 and 1970, McLachlan would work as a lecturer for his old college.

"Punch
"After graduation in 1961, McLachlan got a job at a local printing company in Leicester. He was also a part-time lecturer in Graphics at his old college for three years. While designing some posters for a local youth center, people once again told him to submit his cartoons to Punch. To persuay [sic] him, they raised a five pound bet. McLachlan took the offer and sent a scrapbook of drawings to the editors. Much to his surprise, they accepted one cartoon and paid him much more than he earned in the printing office. He kept sending new cartoons and by the third week, Punch took no less than seven! From that moment on, McLachlan realized he apparently had talent for this profession. He'd remain a regular in the magazine for decades."

 

 

He would go on to work for other clients, creating advertising and illustration work. He had a series of gallery shows at Chris Beetles. There were also many honors.: Two awards back to back from The Cartoonist's Club of Great Britain ("Illustrative Cartoonist of the Year" (1980) and "Advertising Cartoonist of the Year" (1981)). The next year The Cartoon Trust called him "Gag Cartoonist of the Year." The Trust also gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Five years later, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Leicester.

"Are we boring you, Mr. Etherington?"