Bill Tidy obituary

British cartoonist, author, and television personality William Edward Tidy passed away on March 11, 2023, at the age of 89. His comic comics, which frequently exaggerated representations of his working-class upbringing in Northern England, are what made him most famous.

In addition to being acknowledged for his achievements in journalism, Tidy received the MBE in 2000 for his philanthropic activity, particularly his 30-year support of the Lord’s Taverners.

Bill Tidy obituary

Tidy was raised in Liverpool after being born in Tranmere, a neighborhood of Birkenhead, Cheshire. Up until the age of 15, he attended St Margaret’s Church of England Academy in Anfield (then known as St Margaret’s Technical Commercial School).

His early passion for cartooning led to the publication of his first cartoon in the school magazine.

Tidy joined the Royal Engineers in 1952 after spending a short time working in a shipping office. He sold his first cartoon to a Japanese newspaper while he was still in the service.

In 1956, he obtained employment in a Liverpool advertising agency after leaving the army that year. There, he started illustrating magazine advertisements and starting freelance market his cartoons. Soon after, he left the agency and started working as a full-time cartoonist due to his success.

Tidy utilized his cartoons to mock and praise the lives of people in Northern England throughout the course of his career. He remained incredibly proud of his working-class upbringing.

The Cloggies and The Fosdyke Saga, two of his most famous comic strips, were set in an exaggerated depiction of the setting. Many people will remember Tidy as a cartoonist and philanthropist, and his contributions to journalism and charitable work will continue to serve as an example for younger generations.