Political cartoonist and satirist and writer, born in Dunedin, New Zealand. He grew up in Christchurch and taught himself to draw for the press, inspired by comic papers. By 1903 had published first cartoon strip in The Big Budget and he began to work for Christchurch publication The Spectator, eventually becoming its full-time political cartoonist. Next big steps were his move in 1911 to Australia to work on the Bulletin, Sydney; then eight years later he journeyed to London. There he worked on the Star, 1919–27, Evening Standard, 1927–50; Daily Herald, 1950–3, and Manchester Guardian, 1953–63. Low met and befriended the famous in many fields: Arnold Bennett, H G Wells, Lord Beaverbrook, David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill. His wit could be barbed, his drawings powerful, and he invented unique images such as Colonel Blimp and the Trades Union Congress carthorse.