The man behind the Wasgij sensation!

Graham loved to draw everyday objects, situations, and the predicaments that we can find ourselves in from time to time. But the great thing about his drawings is his skill at finding the funny – and often ridiculous – side of anything. Graham’s wonderful sense of humour shone through in all his images.

Graham first started drawing at the tender age of two and quickly found out that it was something that came naturally to him and something he enjoyed immensely. He left school to be a Junior Stained Glass Window Designer but moved from this into advertising. For 30 years he worked as an illustrator/storyboard artist with top London advertising agencies, where he was able to express himself in his work. He then left the fast-paced advertising industry, preferring to work at a less hectic pace and concentrate on his puzzle illustrations for Jumbo.

Graham was in partnership with Jumbo for nearly two decades, producing a wide range of enjoyable and artistically attractive puzzles. Originally illustrating humorous jigsaws for Jumbo that focused on a style which found its inspiration in the world of seaside postcards, and were a huge success for Jumbo. It was no surprise that Graham then found himself in a whole new world – a world of Wasgij. He continued to illustrate the UK’s Number 1 adult puzzles for 15 years with more than 50 puzzles in his portfolio. Graham’s favourite Wasgij concept was the Mystery collection because of the unreserved boundaries that his unique and remarkable sense of humour could reach, with scenes that still bring laughter and pleasure to thousands of puzzlers every year.

In 2020 Graham sadly passed away, leaving a rich and inspirational legacy of humour and illustration. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with Graham and we are thankful his humour can live on through Wasgij for many years to come.