Happy Christmas from the World Rugby Museum!
This Christmas card was designed by cartoonist Cyril Bird (aka Fougasse). Bird was the son of England cricketer Arthur Bird. He graduated from Kings College with a BSc in Engineering, but had attended evening art classes whilst a student. Bird contributed to several magazines and newspapers, in particular The Graphic, of which he became art editor in 1937. He is best known for the propaganda posters he produced for the Government during World War II, for which he was awarded a CBE in 1946.
There are several examples of Fougasse’s work in the museum’s collection, including a publication entitled ‘Why the Whistle Went’, first produced by the RFU in 1948 to explain the laws of the game. This Christmas card was also commissioned by the RFU. The date is unknown.
The World Rugby Museum would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year going !
I have a 1973 version of “Why the Whistle Went.” It’s very well illustrated, and funny, not just the illustrations but the text.
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