The family of the late cartoonist Bill Tidy have launched a new website – Tidy Posters – celebrating the wit, warmth and genius of the late Bill Tidy MBE, one of Britain’s best-loved cartoonists.
Famed for his classic and much-loved cartoon strips including The Fosdyke Saga, The Cloggies and Kegbuster and to decades of making people laugh on television and through the 70 plus books he illustrated, Bill’s wit, warmth, and instantly recognisable style made him a national treasure.
You can view the website here: Bill Tidy Posters | Exclusive Artwork & Prints for Sale
Bill and wife Rosa and their family lived happily in Southport for many years where they were heavily invested in supporting the local community and a variety of good causes.
In 2024 Bill’s career and life was celebrated with tens of thousands of visitors enjoying his exhibition ‘Bill Tidy: ‘Is There Any News Of The Iceberg?’ at The Atkinson on Lord Street in Southport.
The Everton Football Club Poster is the first poster to go on sale and it celebrates Bill’s beloved Everton FC.
The poster features the illustrations from a 3ft high and 30 ft long illustrated scroll discovered after his passing, and originally created by Bill for the club’s 100 years in top-flight football celebration at St George’s Hall, Liverpool in 2003.
Produced in an A2 poster format, it is a piece of unique sporting and artistic history, available to fans and lovers of Bill’s work worldwide. Printed on quality paper, these posters will bring a touch of British comic heritage into your home, office, or as a gift to a friend.
All Tidy Posters are officially approved by Bill Tidy’s estate and produced from original artwork owned by his children, Sylvia Tidy-Harris and Robert Tidy. And by purchasing one you will be owning a genuine part of British comic history.
About Bill
Bill Tidy MBE (1933–2023) was born in Liverpool and became one of the most prolific and best-loved cartoonists in British history.
Self-taught and endlessly inventive, Bill’s humour reflected everyday life — working men, football, pubs, families and friendships — always drawn with warmth, wit and humanity. He was unique in that he could draw as fast as he could speak. Many referred to his ability for Quick on the Draw humour.
He created classics such as The Cloggies for Private Eye and The Fosdyke Saga for The Daily Mirror, as well as tens of thousands of one-off cartoons published in Punch Magazine and across Fleet Street and beyond. He also provided monthly cartoon strips for decades to General Practitioner, New Scientist and CAMRA.
A familiar face on television and radio, he appeared for many years on programmes such as Quick on the Draw, Countdown, Blankety Blank, Celebrity Squares, Through the Keyhole, Watercolour Challenge, and many other programmes delighting audiences with his quickfire wit and charm. He was also a much in demand after dinner speaker too incorporating live drawing every time.
Bill was also absolutely passionate about history and archaeology Bill often incorporated his vast knowledge of both subjects in many of his cartoons.
Throughout his life, Bill remained proudly connected to his Liverpool roots — he was a loyal Evertonian who never lost his sense of humour or humanity.
Bill was appointed MBE in 2000 for services to journalism and his outstanding contribution to British art, charity and culture.
His family now lovingly preserve his archive and legacy, sharing his work through Tidy Posters so that generations to come can continue to enjoy the laughter he gave to millions.
Bill also has his own dedicated website billtidy.com
Fans of Bill include Miriam Margoyles, Sir Tim Rice, Robert Powell, and Chris Tarrant.
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