American cartoonist
Peter Wells working for the Famous Artist School, c. 1950's
Peter Wells (January 8, 1912 – November 8, 1995) was an American cartoonist and children's book author and illustrator. He was also an instructor for the cartoon division of the Famous Artist School .
Peter was born Herbert Hilbish Wells to John and Wilhelmina (Baron) Wells, in Port Clinton , Ohio.[ 1] He began creating cartoons while at Yale University , working as editor for The Yale Review . In the 1930s, he was employed by King Features Syndicate , providing cartoons for the Katzenjammer Kids series as well as other publications.[ 1] Through the following decades, he supplied cartoons for Scholastic and Blue Book Magazine .[ 2]
Wells was also a children's book writer and illustrator. His book, Mr. Tootwhistle's Invention, won the 1942 New York Tribune Spring Book Award.[ 3] Other books by him include Dolly Madison's Surprise and The Pirate's Apprentice .
Beginning in the 1950s, Wells joined the faculty of the Famous Artist School , heading up the cartoon division along with "Bud" (Forrest Cowles) Sagendorf .[ 4] Wells’ cartoons for the Famous Artist School now reside in the collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum .[ 1]
He was a National Cartoonist Society member.[ 5]
A lesson in cartooning for the Famous Artist School, c. 1960's
References
^ a b c "Peter Wells" . Illustration History – Norman Rockwell Museum . June 27, 2017.
^ "Blue Book Magazine Index" . The General Fiction Magazine Index . May 17, 2017. Retrieved June 26, 2017 .
^ "1942 Winners of Children's Book Award". New York Herald Tribune Books . May 10, 1942.
^ "Meet your instructor...Peter Wells." Booklet published by the Famous Artist School. Date of publication unknown. Norman Rockwell Museum Archives.
^ "In Memoriam – Peter Wells" . National Cartoonist Society . Retrieved June 26, 2017 .