William Blomfield (1 April 1866 – 2 March 1938)

William Blomfield was born today in 1866. Blomfield produced cartoons for the New Zealand Observer a newspaper he had substantial shares in for 40 years. Blomfield was also a local politician serving as second mayor of Takapuna.

New Zealanders As We See 'em 1934-35

New Zealanders As We See 'em in Cartoons and Caricatures is a handsome volume of black and white work published by the New Zealand Cartoonists' Association in 1935. The preface notes that this book could be considered 'The Cartoonists' Who's Who of New Zealanders' and features 438 portraits combining photos with pen and ink work. Doctor's, lawyers, politicians and businessmen are featured throughout the book with text describing occupations and recreational activities. Due to a hearty response from subjects invited to be a part of this project a second volume was published in 1938 in a limited edition of 450 copies. Typical of the era, all subjects featured are male and appear to be European.

Cartoonists featured in this volume:

William Blomfield

Pike

Fred R. Alexander

Gordon Minhinnick

Roy Evans

Trevor Lloyd

E R Leemings

William Sykes Baverstock