We found these Country Fair magazines a few years ago in a shop in Lewes and have had the covers framed on our wall for a while. They’re signed with a single name – “Hanna”.
We really like the pictures, in a sentimental, anthropomorphic kind of way.
One day we thought we’d Google “Hanna”, hoping to buy some larger prints. We expected thousands of results to come up, but could hardly find any. So we forgot all about it for a while.
Then, a few weeks ago, we came across this book from Prion Books – a compendium of articles from the magazine. We bought it, hoping to find out more about the illustrator, but there was no mention. We even emailed the publisher about it and got no reply (boo).
However, this sparked off another bout of Google detective work, and we’ve finally established that he’s called John Hanna. He was obviously quite respected in his day – there’s a photo of him in a National Portrait Gallery collection (which also gives the helpful clue that he was Australian).
Thing is, we still can’t find out much more about him. Let alone where to get hold of his work.
Can anyone shed any light? We feel like we must be missing something obvious.
http://www.daao.org.au/main/read/3056
Posted by: Adam | 28 April 2009 at 22:14
Thanks Adam – we did come across that link, but weren’t convinced because there was no mention at all of Country Fair or animal illustrations, which seemed weird. This John Hanna seems to be a humorous, black & white newspaper cartoonist, although I guess he could have done something like this on the side. The dates he was in London seem to match up (Country Life illustrations are all during the late fifties). It says he usually operated under the name “Wiz”, but a search for “Wiz” and “John Hanna” unfortunately doesn’t seem to turn up anything of use.
Posted by: Nick Asbury | 29 April 2009 at 07:30
This is that really odd thing where you think someone's broken into your house and rifled the bookshelves. I bought a run of these superb magazines a few years ago at a Northamptonshire book fair. I hadn't heard of them before, I've heard nothing since. Until now. I too will join the research teams out there tracking down Mr.Hanna. But wasn't he in Four Weddings And A Funeral?
Posted by: Peter Ashley | 29 April 2009 at 08:27
I suppose he could have knocked out a few illustrations in between takes.
Posted by: Nick Asbury | 29 April 2009 at 08:38
I've got a stack of these magazines, they are gorgeous covers, though I draw the line at cutting them up to frame; they are really interesting to read as well, which is why I've got an article and photo of John Hanna, from the August 1955 edition. If you'd like me to scan it and email it to you, let me know.
Posted by: PG | 29 April 2009 at 08:47
Hi PG - a scan would be great if it's not too much trouble. Email address is mail@nickasbury.com
You're right about the contents of the magazine - it's a very good read. Enjoy looking at all the old adverts as well - might have to post a few up.
Posted by: Nick Asbury | 29 April 2009 at 09:04
I'd love to know more about this when/if you get a name; these are great! Very Charlie Harper-ish, but more detailed.
Posted by: john | 11 May 2009 at 19:00
Now have at least three people in Australia trying to track down more information about John Hanna and his work, so hopeful of more information soon. Will post up here if so.
Posted by: Nick Asbury | 11 May 2009 at 20:05
These are real beauties - if you find anyone who can supply prints, please let me know!
johnshaugh@gmail.com
Posted by: john | 13 May 2009 at 11:00
I would love to read the article on Hanna. if you get a chance please send it my way!
rh
Posted by: rob | 14 May 2009 at 00:04
Hi Rob - the article is in the next post, here:
http://asburyandasbury.typepad.com/blog/2009/04/hannanother-thing.html
Posted by: Nick Asbury | 14 May 2009 at 08:43
what does 2'6 of the open air mean?
Posted by: Charlie | 28 June 2011 at 18:33