Tourtel, Mary (1874–1948)

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Tourtel, Mary (1874–1948)

English writer and illustrator. Born Mary Caldwell, Mar 15, 1874, in Canterbury, England; died Jan 28, 1948, in England; dau. of stained glass artist and stone mason; attended Canterbury Art School; m. Herbert Tourtel (newspaper editor).

Creator of the popular cartoon character Rupert the Bear, began career as professional illustrator of children's books (1890s); with husband, embarked on many adventures, including a flight in a Handley-Page airplane which broke flight-time record from Hounslow to Brussels (1919); challenged by husband to create cartoon character to rival competing newspaper's Teddy Tail, came up with Rupert the Bear cartoon strip, published both in The Daily Express (1920–35) and in some 50 books, beginning with The Adventures of Rupert the Little Lost Bear (1921); retired due to failing eyesight (1935).