May gibbs author biography sample

May Gibbs

Australian artist, writer (–)

May Gibbs
photographic portrait
Born	()17 January Kent, England
Died	27 November () (aged&#;92) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Pen name	Stan Cottman, Blob
Occupation	Author, illustrator
Nationality	English Australian
Period	–
Genre	Children's literature

Cecilia May GibbsMBE (17 January – 27 November ) was an Australian children's author, illustrator, and cartoonist.

She is optimal known for her gumnut babies (also known as "bush babies" or "bush fairies"^[1]), and the book Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.

Early life

Gibbs was born in Sydenham, Kent, in the United Kingdom,^[2] to Herbert William Gibbs ( – 4 October ) and Cecilia Gibbs, née Rogers (c.

– 26 March ), who were both talented artists. She was their second child, and as she was named after her mother, had the nickname "Mamie".^[3]

The family planned to travel to South Australia to put up a farm in due to Herbert's failing eyesight, the result of a boyhood injury.^[4] However, as Gibbs had caught the measles, her father and uncle George Gordon Gibbs (c.

– 24 August ) went to Australia, leaving her mother in England to care for the children.^[5]

On 1 June , the Gibbs brothers arrived in South Australia, and began to look for the land arranged for them by a relative of theirs.

Over the next few months, the brothers became disillusioned with the land.^[6] Cecilia discovered that she was pregnant again, and decided to produce the voyage to Australia with her children. Despite her parents' dismay, Cecilia and the children left, and her third infant, Ivan, was born at sea.^[7]

A drought in the area caused the family to move again, to Norwood.^[8] In , the family moved again to a farm property in Harvey, Western Australia.^[9] At the age of eight, Gibbs was given a pony named Brownie by her father.

May enjoyed exploring the bush riding her pony, and began to paint and compose about the bush at this time.^[10] This period of her childhood, and her imaginative meaning of the bush, was formative in the development of the anthropomorphic bush setting found in her work.^[11] When Gibbs was 10, the family moved to Perth,^[12] where she was educated at Amy Best's girls' academy in Perth.^[13]

Gibbs was published for the first time in the Christmas edition of the W.A.

Bulletin, ^[16] In , Gibbs attended an artists' camp place up by H.C. Prinsep, who along with her father, was one of the founding members of the Wilgie Sketching Club (later the West Australian World of Artists)^[17] at 'Undercliffe' in Greenmount, Western Australia.^[18] That year she began painting in oils "anything at all – trying to get beyond the sticky stage… painting plaques to suspend on walls and earning enough to keep myself in all but chemist bills", Gibbs stated.^[19] She also painted scenery and made set designs for local amateur productions.^[20] In the mids she was attending classes at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.^[21]

Study in England

Between and , Gibbs made several trips to England, primarily to study art.

She spent a year at the South Kensington Art Educational facility run by Arthur Stockdale Cope and Erskine Nicol, and attended classes at the Chelsea Polytechnic (now Chelsea College of Arts), studying under Augustus John and Ernest Borough Johnson.

She graduated in with first class passes in every category. Gibbs' art education also included 'half-hours' at the studios of Victoria and Albert Museum where students could draw the nude for free,^[22] and a term at the School for Black and Light Artists run by Henry Blackburn, editor of London Society.

During her time in England, Gibbs completed assignments as an illustrator for George G. Harrap and Co., published a fantasy about London chimneys, About Us (), and drew cartoons for the Common Cause, published by the Suffragettes.^[13]

Early work

On her return trips home to Australia, Gibbs produced fashion illustrations for The West Australian and cartoons for the Western Australian magazine Social Kodak.

She became a regular contributor to Western Mail.^[11] Her sketches, illustrations, cartoons and caricatures appeared on the cover and throughout the newspaper between and Notably, Gibbs illustrated an article written by Senator Agnes Robertson on the women's rights movement 'Women's Position in the State' by 'One of Them'.^[23] Gibbs is seen as one of Australia's first resident professional woman cartoonists and caricaturists and the first Australian woman known to contain drawn local political cartoons.

"May Gibbs was a pioneer for female cartoonists, especially since she was successful," noted renowned Australian cartoonist Lindsay Foyle.^[24] In she exhibited five watercolours in the First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work at Melbourne.^[22]

Return to Australia

Due to ill health, Gibbs returned to Australia from England in , and settled in Sydney.

She took up residence at Derry, a heritage listed semi-detached house in Neutral Bay. also marked the first public appearance of the gumnut babies, on the front cover of The Missing Button by Ethel Turner, which Gibbs had illustrated.

She produced postcards depicting gumnut babies in uniform to support Australia's role in World War One at this time.^[25] Gibbs' first book about the gumnut babies, titled Gumnut Babies, was published in It was soon followed, in , by her most famous work, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.^[26] Gibbs wrote many books on the theme of the gumnut babies.

Gibbs married Bertram James Ossoli Kelly, a mining spook, on 17 April ,^[27] whom she met during a attend to Perth.^[13] In they moved into their purpose built house Nutcote, then in Neutral Bay (now part of Kurraba Point), in Sydney.^[28] He died in

James Ossoli Kelly, according to a Sutherland Shire Historical Bulletin, was a friend of Francis de Groot, the member of the fascist paramilitary organisation, the New Guard.^[29] De Groot would most infamously disrupt the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, disgruntled at the leftist policies of the then NSW Premier Jack Lang.

As of , a facebook post by May Gibb's Nutcote shows that a watercolour portrait of Bessie de Groot, (the wife of Francis de Groot) painted by May Gibbs still hangs in the breakfast room of Nutcote.^[30]

Gibbs continued to write and illustrate children's books, publishing Little Ragged Blossom in ^[31] and Little Obelia the following year.^[32] In addition to her work illustrating and writing, Gibbs maintained two comic strips, Bib and Bub – and Tiggy Touchwood –, in opposition newspapers.

Tiggy Touchwood appeared in the Sunday Sun under the signature "Stan Cottman". The comic strips were published in newspapers in most Australian states and also in New Zealand. In she published Nuttybub and Nittersing^[33] and in Two Minute Gum-Nuts.^[34] All her books own been reprinted numerous times and five cartoon books of Bib and Bub have been published.

In addition to her children's books, Gibbs was also an accomplished botanical artist whose function is said to have inspired other artists interested in indigenous flora.^[35] Art historian, Anna Jug, has described her work as being both delightfully imaginative and botanically accurate.^[36]

Death and legacy

May Gibbs died in Sydney on 27 November , and was cremated at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney.^[13]^[37] Gibbs bequeathed the from the designs of her bush characters and her stories to Northcott Disability Services (formerly The NSW Society for Crippled Children) and Cerebral Palsy Alliance (formerly The Spastic Centre of NSW).^[38] The residue of her estate was left to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.^[13]

Gibbs and her husband Kelly's connection to Francis de Groot and the New Guard, the largest and most successful fascist organisation in Australian history have long been omitted or brushed over as it is in-congruent with her posthumous reputation as a children's author and illustrator.^[39]

In a postage stamp honouring Gibbs, or her best known creations, was issued by Australia Post as part of a set of five commemorating children's books.^[40]

In a street&#;in&#;the&#;Canberra&#;suburb&#;of&#;Richardson&#;was named May Gibbs Close in her honour.^[41]

On 17 January , Google Doodle celebrated Cecilia May Gibbs' th Birthday.^[42]^[43]

On 3 December , the State Library of New South Wales opened an exhibition of Gibbs' artwork to mark the th anniversary of the e publication of Gumnut Babies.^[44] In January a Sydney Ferries' Emerald-class ferry was named in honour of the author.^[45]

Gibb's Nutcote home was one of the first four blue plaques awarded by the New South Wales government scheme in ^[46]^[47]

Works

().

About us / by May Gibbs. (No. ). London&#;: Brand-new York: Ernest Nister; E.P. Dutton, reference online
(). Scribbling Sue and other stories / by Amy Eleanor Mack. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Georgian England (–) / by Susan Cunnington; illustrated by May Gibbs.
May Gibbs: Mother of the Gumnuts - University of Sydney: Cecilia May Gibbs MBE (17 January – 27 November ) was an Australian children's author, illustrator, and cartoonist. She is finest known for her gumnut babies (also known as "bush babies" or "bush fairies" [1]), and the book Snugglepot and Cuddlepie.
London: George G. Harrap &, reference online
(). Gem of the Flat / by Constance Mackness^[48]
(). A little bush poppy / by Edith Graham; illustrated by May Gibbs. Melbourne: Lothian Guide Publishing, reference online
().

Gum blossom babies / words and pictures by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
().
She is best known for her gumnut babies also known as "bush babies" or "bush fairies" [ 1 ]and the guide Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. She was their second child, and as she was named after her mother, had the nickname "Mamie". The family planned to change position to South Australia to put up a farm in due to Herbert's failing eyesight, the result of a boyhood injury. On 1 Junethe Gibbs brothers arrived in South Australia, and began to look for the land arranged for them by a relative of theirs.
Boronia babies / May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Flannel flowers and other bush babies / May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Wattle babies / by May Gibbs.

Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Snugglepot and Cuddlepie&#;: Their Adventures Wonderful / Pictures and words by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Little Ragged Blossom, & more about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie / by May Gibbs.
Born in England in May, at the age of four travelled with her mother and brother Herbert Bertieto join her father Herbert and uncle George who, some months earlier had travelled out to South Australia. A second brother, Ivon, was born just before arrival in Adelaide. Following an event-filled four years in South Australia inthe Gibbs family moved to Harvey in Western Australia. Two wonderful years were spent in Harvey before Herbert and Cecie moved their family to Perth.
Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Petty Obelia, and further adventures of Ragged Blossom, Snugglepot & Cuddlepie / May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Gumnut babies&#;: Words and pictures / by May Gibbs.

Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Nuttybub and Nittersing / by May Gibbs. Melbourne: Osboldstone &., reference online
(). Chucklebud and Wunkydoo / by May Gibbs. Melbourne: Osboldstone, reference online
().

Bib and Bub&#;: Their adventures / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Cornstalk Pub, reference online
(). The further adventures of Bib and Bub / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Cornstalk Publishing, reference online
(). The struggle with the crown (–) / by E.M.

Wilmot-Buxton; illustrated by May Gibbs. London: George G. Harrap, reference online
(). More funny stories / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Cornstalk Publishing, reference online
(). Bib & Bub in Gumnut town / by May Gibbs.

Sydney: Halstead Printing, reference online
(). A bush greeting to you / May Gibbs. Sydney, N.S.W.?, reference online
(). The complete adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie / pictures & words by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
().

Scotty in gumnut area / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Mr. & Mrs. Bear and friends / by [May Gibbs]. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, reference online
(). Prince Dande Lion, incomplete, State Library of New South Wales, MLMSS

Material held in collections

The State Library of Fresh South Wales – papers, relics and pictorial collections, –

May Gibbs papers – Guide located at MLMSS /1A
SERIES 01 – Literary Manuscripts, – - published works –, Unpublished works –, Notebooks and Miscellaneous Notes and Verses –, Newspaper column n.d., Cartoons, –
SERIES 02 – Professional Papers, – - Literary Manuscripts –, Published works; Unpublished works; Notebooks, and Miscellaneous Notes and Verses; Newspaper Column; Cartoons; Professional Papers –; Correspondence; General Papers; Financial Papers; Personal Papers –; Correspondence; Journals & Notebooks; Financial Papers; Newspaper Cuttings –; Cartoons; 'Gumnut Gossip'; Miscellaneous Cuttings; Printed and Miscellaneous Material, –; Microfilm Material, n.d.
SERIES 03 – Personal Papers, – - manuscript; typescript; illustrations; clippings; ephemera.
SERIES 04 – Newspaper Cuttings, – – Cartoons; 'Gumnut Gossip'; Miscellaneous Cuttings.
SERIES 05 – Printed and Miscellaneous Material, – – Cartoons; 'Gumnut Gossip'; Miscellaneous Cuttings.
SERIES 06 – Microfilm Material, n.d.

- Being five fleeting stories selected by F. Treuthardt: 'The Three Scottie pups'; 'Funny Mrs Lizzard'; 'The Missing Tadpoles'; 'The Lost Food Basket'; Bib and Bub's Shoe Shop'
SERIES 07 – Illustrations, – ca. / May Gibbs - mostly May Gibbs' original sketches for her children's books.

Also included are sketches for proposed publications, studies made while at art institution in London, and portraits and photographs of her family and friends.
SERIES 08 – May Gibbs relics, – – Badge of MBE; Bell; 2 figurines; printing blocks; printed handkerchiefs; gum leaves and bark.
SERIES 09 – Framed pictures and individual works, –?

/ by May Gibbs or H.W. Gibbs – five watercolour drawings.

References

^"th Anniversary for May Gibbs". . 23 November Retrieved 18 January
^Walsh, Maureen. "Gibbs, Cecilia May (–)".

Cecilia May Gibbs. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University &#; via Australian Dictionary of Biography.
^Walsh p. 10
^Walsh, p. 11
^Walsh, p.

12
^Walsh, pp. 13–14
^Walsh, p. 15
^Walsh, pp. 17–18
^Walsh, p. 19
^Walsh, pp.
Creator of the famous tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, the Gumnut babies, Gibbs began her career as a cartoonist and hoped to be recognised as an displaying painter. She travelled to London whenever she could to learn and improve her technique.
24–27
^ ^a^bSeddon, George (). "Cuddlepie and other surrogates". Landprints: reflections on place and landscape. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp.&#;– ISBN&#;.
^Walsh, p.

29
^ ^a^b^c^d^e"Gibbs, Cecilia May (–)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, Archived 13 May at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 6 December
^"May Gibbs' Nutcote".

.
^"Stirling Cottage". Harvey Visitor Centre. Archived from the original on 22 December
^Walsh, p. 31
^"Prinsep, Henry Charles (Harry) (–)",Australian Dictionary of Biography, Archived 20 December at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 6 December
^Design & Art Australia Online, "May Gibbs: Artist, Draughtsman, Painter, Cartoonist, Illustrator", Archived 20 December at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 6 December
^Walsh, p.

38
^Walsh, p. 35
^Walsh, p. 44
^ ^a^b"May Gibbs: Artist, Draughtsman, Painter, Cartoonist, Illustrator", Design & Art Australia Online, Archived 20 December at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 6 December
^Walsh p.

71
^"May's Magic Vandalised", The Cartoon Factory, 26 June Archived 28 February at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 6 December
^"Archived copy"(PDF). Archived(PDF) from the original on 4 March Retrieved 17 June : CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) retrieved 3 July
^"Heritage Places - Derry", NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, 2 August Archived 20 December at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 6 December
^"Mainly About People".

Daily News. Vol.&#;XXXVIII, no.&#;13, Western Australia. 19 April p.&#;4 (THIRD EDITION). Retrieved 28 September &#; via National Library of Australia.
^"Heritage Places - Nutcote", NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, 2 August Archived 16 November at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 6 December
^"Bulletin Vol No.

4"(PDF). Sutherland Shire Historical Society Inc. 14 (4): 17– November
^"Facebook". . Retrieved 15 July
^Gibbs, M. ().
May Gibbs, artist, author, illustrator and cartoonist, mother of the Gum-Nut Babies and the iconic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie lived much of her early life in South Perth in 'The Dune', a charming home on the corner of Harper Terrace and Suburban Road (now Mill Direct Road).
Little Ragged Blossom, & more about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. Angus & Robertson, Sydney.
^Gibbs, M. (). Little Obelia, and further adventures of Ragged Blossom, Snugglepot & Cuddlepie.

Angus & Robertson, Sydney.
^Gibbs, M. (). Nuttybub and Nittersing. Osboldstone &., Melbourne.
^Gibbs, M. (). Two little gum-nuts. Cornstalk, Sydney.
^Stephens, Andrew ().
When she was 23, May returned to England to pursue her art studies, coming back to Perth in Over the next five years, she wrote articles and provided illustrations and cartoons for the Western Mail newspaper before deciding to return to England in Here she continued her art studies, wrote articles, worked as an illustrator and drew cartoons for the Common Causea suffragette publication. In she published Gumnut Babiesthe first of the Gumnut books she wrote and illustrated.
"May Gibbs revealed". Art Monthly Australia (). ProQuest&#;
^Jug, Anna (). "Close to nature: May Gibbs and Australian botanical artists". Australian Garden History. 30 (2): 12–
^Sydney Morning Herald, "Crematorium opens doors to everlasting celebrations of life", 16 June Archived 18 October at the Wayback Machine; Retrieved 7 August
^"News from Sydney University Press".

Sydney University Press. 17 January Archived from the original on 12 November Retrieved 3 June
^Moore, Andrew (). "The New Guard and the Labour Movement, ". Labour History (89): 55– doi/ ISSN&#; JSTOR&#;
^"Archived copy".

Archived from the original on 4 March Retrieved 10 July : CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^"National Memorial Ordinance Determination of Nomenclature Australian Capital Territory National Memorials Ordinance Determination of Nomenclature".

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. Periodic (National&#;: - ). 31 August p.&#;1. Retrieved 8 September
^"Cecilia May Gibbs' th Birthday". . Retrieved 17 January
^"17 January: Remembering Cecilia May Gibbs on Birthday".

Observer Voice. 15 January Retrieved 17 January
^"Gumnut Babies change , May Gibbs' famous series celebrated in Sydney", ABC News, 5 December Archived 24 December at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 6 December
^Ferry McFerryface wasn't public pick for new ferry name until Andrew Constance's captain's pickDaily Telegraph 30 January
^Barlass, Tim (17 April ).

"Blue plaques chosen by public revealed – and there are surprises".
May Gibbs was born in England on 17 January She was the only daughter of artist, cartoonist and public servant Herbert William Gibbs. She emigrated to Australia at age four where the family tried their hand at farming both in South Australia and Western Australia. May spent many impressionable years observing the beauty of the Australian bush.
The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 November
^Cormack, Lucy (11 June ). "May Gibbs' former studio to claim first heritage blue plaque". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 November
^Smith, Michelle.

"Book Cover: Gem of the Flat, Constance Mackness". Retrieved 9 January