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Overview

Leo Cheney (1878–1928) was a Lancashire born illustrator and cartoonist. His lively drawings appeared in early 20th century British newspapers, magazines, and commercial advertising. Born in Accrington in 1878, Cheney became the first student to enrol on Percy Bradshaw’s Press Art School correspondence course. This was programme for drawing founded in 1905 and originally run from Bradshaw’s home - later from Tudor Hall - in Forest Hill, London.

Cheney went on to contribute to Boy’s Own Paper, and The Bystander. Later he worked as a staff cartoonist for the Manchester Evening News. He is perhaps best known for developing the most recognisable version of the Johnnie Walker “Striding Man”. His illustration transformed the character into the friendly, iconic figure used in national advertising between 1915 and 1919.

Cheney’s work captures the energy, humour, and social insight that shaped British illustration and commercial art in the early 1900s. His cartoons connect everyday life with gentle satire. His advertising imagery became part of Britain’s visual identity. The collection also provides a valuable record of artistic technique across multiple media - from bold pen‑and‑ink lines to soft pencil shading and atmospheric watercolour.

The digital collection presents a varied selection of Cheney’s creative output, preserved within the held at the ��������. Together, these works reflect material preserved in the , representing both Cheney’s professional practice and the wider visual culture of his era.

Types of material

• Black-and-white cartoons and sketches
• Pencil drawings
• Watercolour landscapes and seascapes
• Oil paintings
• Mixed illustrative material

How can it be used?

The collection offers examples of Cheney’s cartoon style, character drawing, and painted work. It provides an insight into how illustrators developed images for newspapers, magazines, and commercial campaigns. it can be used to explore early 20th century illustration, visual humour, and advertising art.

Who might be interested?

The collection will interest anyone studying illustration, design, or advertising history, along with those researching Manchester’s artistic heritage or early 20th century print culture. Artists, students, and local historians may also find inspiration in Cheney’s drawings and commercial artwork.