Edward Tennyson Reed, 1904 handwritten letter and cartoon
featuring his famous 'Prehistoric Peeps'
Author
Publisher
Printing Details
This is a handwritten letter and cartoon by Edward Tennyson Reed, on his headed paper. The paper measures 17.5 × 11.5cm, and has been laid on a larger piece of card measuring 24 × 16cm. The letter is headed from his address: Cardiff House, Wimbledon Common.
The note reads "Yours truly E T Reed. The above is, I regret to say, the best I can do after many years practice! Nov 11, 1904." This is followed by a superb cartoon of one of his "prehistoric peeps from Punch", with a dishevelled man saying to a lady "My dear, how very untidy your hair is", and Reed has initialled the sketch.
Edward Tennyson Reed (1860–1933) was a prominent British political cartoonist with a long-standing association with Punch magazine. His most famous and enduring creation was a series called "Prehistoric Peeps" which depicted (then) modern Victorian life in a Stone Age setting.
Condition
The letter is in good condition but with some light foxing to the speech bubble and edges, and the card it has been laid on is a little foxed. However, Reed's cartoon and handwriting are crisp and clear.
Books are currently zero-rated for duty (as of April 2026), so the price shown is the price you pay.
Price
£200.00
