FRED SPURGIN

Born Izydor Spurgin in 1882 and of Latvian origin, Fred Spurgin came to Britain with his parents and two brothers in 1900. Success in his chosen career soon came with advertisements, magazine andBOOKillustrations and postcard designs.

Between 1906-08, at least twelve postcard publishers were happy to use Fred's artwork, including J. Beagles & Co., and The Regent Pub. Co. In 1908 Spurgin began placing his work with the ‘Avenue Pub. Co.,’ but by 1911 it seems that the ‘Inter-Art Co.’ had became exclusive publishers of his postcard designs. 

In 1916, his brother Maurice established the ‘Art and Humour Pub. Co.’ as an outlet for Fred’s work and like Donald McGill, many of Fred’s wartime comic postcards were a reflection of contemporary attitudes and tastes. There were cards on patriotism,POLITICS, women at work, comments on government policy, and a host of other topics.