Norman Thelwell (1923-2004) was educated locally at Rock Ferry High School. During World War II, he served in India with the East Yorkshire Regiment, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. While art editor of an army publication, he had his first cartoons published in "London Opinion." After the war, he studied at Liverpool School of Art and lectured on illustration at Wolverhampton College of Art. He sold his first drawing to" Punch" in 1950, and two years later became an important regular contributor. He also worked as a cartoonist for several newspapers and began to produce his own comic books, beginning in 1957 with "Angels on Horseback." Since their debut appearance in "Punch" over 40 years ago, Norman Thelwell's cartoons and drawings have delighted millions of people all over the world. His portrayals of sporting pursuits, human beings at play, the life of the countryside, and, of course, ponies, are the products of a unique comic genius.