Political Cartoonist - David Low

David Low was born in New Zealand on this day (April 7th) in 1891 to a Scottish father. His mother was of Irish extraction. Low was a talented political cartoonist who lampooned world events and famous people, including many world leaders in his cartoons.

You can read about Low's life and times on this page from the British Cartoon Archive. The Dictionary of New Zealand Biography also has a lengthy entry on Low. Read it here. His entry on the Australian Dictionary of Biography is available here.

'All Behind You, Winston' by David Low. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Low is probably best known for his cartoons depicting world leaders during the Second World War, but the fractious Irish political scene of the 1920s/1930s also provided him with plenty of opportunity to show off his cartooning talents. He caricatured various Irish political leaders such as Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins (below). I always enjoy looking at political cartoons (sometimes called editorial cartoons), from old newspapers or magazines. They provide an amazing insight into past controversies and political events and make us realise that even though time has moved on, human nature often has not.

David Low's cartoon of Irish politician Michael Collins. Source: Wikimedia Commons

'Attempted Revolution in Dublin' by David Low. Source: Wikimedia Commons