Ivor Cutler

© Estate of Ivor Cutler, 2008

In a perfect world everyone’s grandfather would be a kindly yet razor-sharp old goof just like Ivor Cutler (and we’d also be able to fly). From the late 1950s onward Ivor wrote heaps of kooky poetry and children’s books and composed little ditties that he would sing in his deadpan Scottish accent, often while playing a harmonium and even oftener while wearing a wee little hat. Our two favorite songs by him are “Bicarbonate of Chicken” and “Pussy on the Mat,” which is the one that starts, “Go and lie down… pussy. Lie on the mat… pussy… lie down and I will turn on the HooooVERRRR.” The Beatles loved him so much McCartney tapped him to be the bus driver in that movie where they fed the entire crew acid and drove around. Now that he’s gone, his radio work with the BBC and John Peel should be insured as a national treasure.

We are pleased as punch to present you with these four drawings and their accompanying texts. They are all from an unpublished bestiary circa 1966-1971, right on the eve of Ivor’s first published books. Enjoy! ivorcutler.org

© Estate of Ivor Cutler, 2008

© Estate of Ivor Cutler, 2008

© Estate of Ivor Cutler, 2008