A cartoonist of national repute

10:29am Friday 28th November 2003

CARTOONIST and illustrator Gordon Stowell, who has died three weeks short of his 75th birthday, gained a national reputation over a career lasting six decades, yet rejoiced in life near home in Hampton Hill.

Mr Stowell died suddenly on October 11. He leaves his wife Janet, daughters Charlotte and Ingrid and grandchildren Finlay and Eloise.

His prolific output was published in Private Eye, Punch, The Oldie and many other magazines.

Believing that cartoons could put over serious subjects, he contributed to Christian Aid, FairTrade and campaigns dealing with, among others, GM crops and mental health.

Many children's books were illustrated by the freelance. He explored water colours, making models of Edward Lear limericks. Yet he remarked recently: "I have been cartooning for 55 years and still trying to get the hang of it!'' He also enjoyed producing drawings and cartoons for local organisations and churches.

Born in 1928 in Worsley near Manchester, Gordon Stowell sold his first cartoon to the local paper at the age of 14.

With no formal training, he migrated to London in his twenties and worked on publicity for various church organisations and contributed widely to nationally known magazines.

Life was not dull in the studio over a gunshop in Bedford Street in noisy Covent Garden market. Gordon found the basement full of gunpowder and in 1963, married one of the two assistants he employed.

Gordon and Janet moved to St James's Avenue, where he continued to practise his art.

Daughter Charlotte was born in 1964 and Ingrid came along two years later.

This year the couple celebrated their 40th anniversary.

Mrs Stowell said: "Gordon was very happy living here. He was not a traveller, he enjoyed cycling locally and had an allotment for 25 years.

"He was a very keen gardener, especially growing plants from seed and sharing the results with others."

Her husband delighted in Finlay, aged four and Eloise, five months and, she said: "He made wonderful bread."