About

Ink and wash drawing by Michael ffolkes (Brian Davis), titled “Happy New Year!” The composition centres on a large globe surrounded by clouds, missile trails, and directional markings. At the lower edge, a figure resembling Atlas supports the globe, while a robed Olympian figure, likely Zeus, stands to the right observing the scene. The title is inscribed beneath the image. Newly framed under museum glass.

Michael ffolkes, born Brian Davis (British, 1925–1988), was a cartoonist and illustrator active in post-war British print media. After service in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, he studied at St Martin’s School of Art. He began contributing to Punch in the early 1950s and went on to publish work in The New Yorker, The Spectator, Private Eye, and several national newspapers. Ffolkes also illustrated books and worked as a storyboard artist for television and film productions. His career encompassed editorial cartooning, humorous illustration, and visual commentary across mid- to late-20th-century British publications.

Item Details

Reference: #PH062

Creator

Michael ffolkes (born Brian Davis)
Dimensions

Unknown
Weight

Place of origin

England
Condition

Excellent
Package

Bubble Wrap

Period / Date

1950s
Materials & Techniques

Ink on Paper