Robbie, now 86, was born just before World War II and still remembers that as a child she always had her little Rupert Bear soft toy by her side wherever she went. When the German air raids on major British cities became more intense, she was evacuated to the countryside at the tender age of two. During this upheaval, her Rupert soft toy was the only item she could bring along…
Since its debut as “The Little Lost Bear” in the Daily Express on November 8, 1920, the tale of Rupert Bear has been illustrated by several artists for over a century, becoming a British national treasure, and earning love from successive generations. Last month, on January 28, 2024, we celebrated the 150th birthday of the artist behind Rupert’s creation, Mary Tourtel.
Mary Tourtel
Mary Tourtel (born Mary Caldwell) was born in 1874 in Kent, emerging from an artistic family. Her father, a stone mason and stained glass artist at Canterbury Cathedral (later, her youngest brother Samuel also became responsible for the cathedral’s stained glass), and her eldest brother Edmond, who later achieved renown as an animal painter in South Africa, were influential figures in her artistic upbringing. Following in Edmond’s footsteps, Mary honed her skills as an animal illustrator at Thomas Sidney Cooper’s School of Art. She then went on to the Royal College of Art, where she met Herbert Tourtel, who was to become her husband as well as her creative partner.
Herbert, born in the same year as Mary into a tailor’s family in St. Peter Port, had a passion for folklore and mythology, along with a dream of publishing his own poetry. Despite lacking funds, Herbert sought an illustrator for his poems. He approached the Royal College of Art, requesting assistance from a student willing to contribute to his project without charge. This marked the fateful moment when he crossed paths with Mary. He later became a reporter for the Daily Express, and was engaged to Mary in 1899; they tied the knot the following year.
Before marrying Herbert, Mary had already embarked on her career as an illustrator of children’s picture books, publishing her first picture books, “A Horse Book” and “Three Little Foxes,” in 1897. “When Animals Work”, her 1919 short story (a collaboration with Herbert), features a bear character that holds a resemblance to Rupert.
By 1920, the Daily Express was facing stiff competition from other daily newspapers; noting the popularity of the “Teddy Tail” comic strip in the Daily Mail, the Express decided it, too, needed a cartoon strip to attract readers’ children. Herbert
noted the rising popularity of the “Teddy Bear” as popularised by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and toy manufacturers such as German company Steiff. Herbert envisioned the creation of a bear character for the Daily Express and approached his wife as co-creator, using her expertise as an animal illustrator. Despite Herbert’s pivotal role in Rupert’s creation, the credit for Rupert’s adventures was always given to Mary. According to Howard Smith’s recent research, this deliberate choice by Herbert aimed to ensure that his wife received the associated fees.
From Mary Tourtel’s story “Rupert and the Christmas Tree Fairies”.
These images have been restored from newspaper clippings from the original publication, with restoration and colouring done digitally by Mark Manley. Rupert and all treated characters are copyright Express Newspapers PLC, and are used by agreement solely within Followers of Rupert publications exclusively for members.
The Tourtels co-created Rupert until Herbert’s passing in 1931 from tuberculosis.
After his death, Mary persevered in working with his incomplete manuscripts, facing the challenge of maintaining momentum. At this time, both the storylines and her illustrations began to exhibit signs of declining quality. In 1934, Mary relinquished Rupert’s work at the Daily Express to her successor, Alfred Bestall.
She reportedly gave up Rupert because of declining eyesight and health problems, but the aforementioned Howard suggests that the stress caused by Herbert’s death may have been a major factor in her condition, and that Mary did not go blind.
Rupert’s success has become widely recognised, extending beyond the newspapers to include picture books, merchandise, and TV animation. His popularity has transcended the borders of the UK, making a significant impact in Europe as well. Remarkably, the Rupert Annual which is published each Christmas has solidified its place as a cherished tradition during the holiday season since its first publication in 1936, continuing to captivate audiences and contribute to the festive spirit.
Throughout generations, though the creators behind Rupert have changed, the essence of the character endures. Rupert, his adventurous spirit, clad in his jumper and checked trousers, has retained much of the charm that Mary originally captured over a century ago.
From Mary Tourtel’s story “Rupert and the Christmas Tree Fairies”.
Rupert Characters ™ & Copyright Express Newspaper plc.
So, on the occasion of Mary’s 150th birthday, what other special celebration can we have?
The Rupert enthusiasts society “The Followers of The Rupert”, was established just over thirty years ago in 1983, and named after the inducement printed on the last page of every annual to “Follow Rupert in the (Daily) Express”. Members receive exclusive newsletters three times a year, which are full of interesting articles and pictures and there are currently preparations being made to produce an exclusive book of previously-never-seen-in-colour stories of Rupert by the three main Express Rupert artists —Mary Tourtel, Alfred Bestall, and John Harrold.
Mary’s work has faced unjust treatment over its extensive history, often subjected to unfair redraws and crude colouring. However, this upcoming book aims to rectify this by providing readers with the chance to explore Nutwood’s enchanting world through meticulously digitally cleaned and painted illustrations, ensuring a true appreciation of Mary’s original vision. The Society kindly provided two coloured images from the upcoming book for this blog.
In addition, the Society is gearing up for its annual member gathering scheduled for this September which is a great opportunity for Rupert fans to meet up, attend talks, buy old annuals and other merchandise, and get to know more about Rupert. If you’re keen to join, please check their website for further details.
https://followersofrupertbear.co.uk/
By Haruka Katsuyama
Acknowledgments
This blog post wouldn’t be possible without the help of “The Followers of Rupert Bear” and Howard Smith MA. We express our sincere thanks to them for their valuable contributions. Special appreciation goes out to Robbie and her grandson Tom for sharing such a heartwarming memory about Rupert.
Bibliography and Further Reading
Howard Smith MA, “Rupert The Bear Facts”
http://www.howardsmith.me.uk/page2.html
Howard Smith MA, “BECOME AN INSTANT EXPERT ON RUPERT BEAR”, The Arts Society.
https://theartssociety.org/arts-news-features/become-instant-expert-rupert-bear
[Accessed 25/01/2024].
Howard Smith MA, Howard Smith MA LECTURER HISTORIAN AUTHOR.
http://www.howardsmith.me.uk/index.html
[Accessed 25/01/2024]
“The Followers of Rupert Bear.”
Official Rupert Bear Society Website. https://followersofrupertbear.co.uk/
[Accessed 25/01/2024].
Holly Buggins-Eaves, “Mary Tourtel: celebrating the creator behind Rupert Bear for Women’s History Month”, Art UK.
https://artuk.org/discover/curations/mary-tourtel-celebrating-the-creator-behind-rupert-bear-for-womens-history-month/slide-page/12
[Accessed 25/01/2024].
“Mary Tourtel (1874-1948)Illustrator & Author”, Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society.
https://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/tourtel-mary
[Accessed 25/01/2024].
Richard Pope, “Discovering Rupert Bear at the Cartoon Museum”, The Cartoon Museum Blog.
https://thecartoonmuseum.wordpress.com/2017/12/09/discovering-rupert-bear-at-the-cartoon-museum/
[Accessed 25/01/2024].
“Rupert Bear.” Wikipedia. [Accessed 25/01/2024].
“Mary Tourtel.” Wikipedia.[Accessed 25/01/2024].
The Cartoon Museum Blog 