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Bernard Cookson (1937-2016)

Bernard Cookson was born in Manchester, the son of an engineer. From 1953 to 1956 he attended Manchester Art School.

He began working as a freelance cartoonist in 1967, a couple of years after his first cartoon was published in the Daily Mirror. He became the resident Social and Political Cartoonist at the London Evening News, succeeding David Myers, and took over 'The Niteleys' series at the Daily Sketch from Eric Burgin. Bernard Cookson was a regular contributor to The Spectator, Daily Express, Today, Sporting Life, The Sun, and Punch - Where he was responsible for many front covers. He also collaborated with friend and fellow cartoonist 'Mac' to write comedy scripts for The Two Ronnies duo.

He lived in Henley-on-Thames for over 30 years with his wife Franky, and had a son that lived in Perth, Australia. In his later life he continued to contribute to The Oldie and The Spectator. He also worked on private commissions such as a cartoon series for the Henley Leander Club, where he was elected to membership in 2002. After a long battle with cancer, Bernard Cookson died at home in January 2016.

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