The Life And Works Of Alfred Bestall: Illustrator Of Rupert Bear

by Caroline G. Bott, Paul McCartney (Foreword)

Alfred Bestall was an artist of enormous breadth and talent. As well as his celebrated Rupert Bear stories, his work ranged from cartoons for Punch to romantic, dreamy watercolors for The Tatler. Caroline Bott spent years researching the life of her godfather, drawing on his diaries, sketchbooks, letters, and photos, all of which were bequeathed to her. In recounting his experiences in World War I and his remarkable travels to Egypt and the Middle East, the man who emerges is gentle, generous, and loved by all who met him. Abundantly illustrated with Bestall€™s work, this book is an enchanting piece of pure nostalgia and a slice of time gone by.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Ivan Monckton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book on Alfred Bestall, who took over illustrating and writing Rupert Bear stories when Mary Tourtel retired and carried on for 30 years. Almost half of the book is a biography, which shows Bestall to be a remarkably nice man, practising his Christianity in every day life. He was also a proficient artist, making a living from his drawings long befor Rupert. The second half of the book are 3 holiday journals that he kept: 2 in North Wales in (which he loved, and indeed, retired to) in 1912 & 1913, and one in Egypt and the Middle East in 1924. These might have been tedious, but Bestall’s descriptive writing, even though it was only meant for his own eyes, is excellent and keeps this reader’s interest to the end.
Rupert Bear has brought joy to children for 100 years now, and most of that is down to Alfred Bestall

[Paul Tubb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alfred Bestall appeared to be a truly good-natured gentle man, and thus was reflected in the beautiful illustrations he produced.

This biography confirms this. This is a wonderful biography full of heart and love and beautifully illustrated by Alfred's sumptuous nature and fantasy illustrations.

There is also a glorious piece of generation divide, when Paul & Linda McCartney visit him with their young family, but also when Hippie leaders travel to see him, based upon the world of Nutwood. These he describes as the "some of the most Gentle people" he ever met.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is in 4 sections: the life of Bestall, and Bestall's holiday diarys for 2 years in North Wales and his trip with his mother to meet up with his father (leaving Burma) when he was 32 taking in Egypt, the Middle East and Europe.

Wherever possible Caroline Bott has let Bestall speak for himself. The reader can thus get a sense of the gentleman's character, nit merely what he did and when. There are a number of Bestall's black and white sketches throughout the book and sections of glossy papered paintings. For many this is the first time they will have had the opportunity to see non Rupert work and appreciate him as a very good artist.

For him, it was more important to be a positive force in children's lives than to earn lots of money. He was concerned about the number of Rupert franchises which weren't of good quality but allowed by the National Express newspaper (who owned the copyright for Rupert Bear). The book also touches on his Methodist upbringing.

All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in historical travel, a fondness for North Wales, and above all a passion for Rupert Bear.