George Booth, New Yorker Artist
1926-2022
The wonderful New Yorker artist George Booth died this week at age 96. He was a friend, and one of the kindest people I know— aside from being a very gifted artist. George began at The New Yorker Magazine in 1969. Since then, the world has enjoyed his covers, cartoons and collections and we collectively fell in love with his pen line, his sense of humor and his spirit.
George’s drawings brought us into a specific world: his world. He was a playful guy, and his cartoons showed that. He didn’t often go political (really not at all), but he did get philosophical in a way only George could. He loved everyman, his work often showed us folks who appeared less well-off than some—or at least they looked as such. But these people George created didn’t seem to care about material things, they enjoyed life and all its wackiness.
I first met George at the onset of my career. I was just trying to make my way into my chosen field, and was at my first Cartoonists’ Guild meeting. Sitting alone and not knowing a soul, George came over, sat down and introduced himself. I was starstruck that THE George Booth was greeting me and making me feel at home. That was George to a t. He seemed to love people and showed it.
A very tall man, he tended to hunch a bit as if apologetic for his size. George sought to connect with others, and being tall could potentially make that more difficult- so he bent to our level. His easy grin was both conniving and inviting, as if we were in on a joke with him (which we inevitably were). His uninhibited laugh was joyous.
When I was a teenager, I observed George’s work closely. I loved his animals in particular, they seemed so real, and had unique personality just in how they carried themselves. His work was the kind of New Yorker drawing we love, the kind that shows you another person’s view of the world.
He will be missed. Thank you for all the kindness and wonderful art, George.
You are such an inspiration to me, Liza. I love the way you capture the world but, perhaps what I love even more is the way you capture the heart of people in your cartoons and your words. In this tribute to George Booth - even if you hadn't included the beautiful photos - I would have seen him in my mind's eye from the way you painted him with your words. I could feel the love, compassion and playfulness that existed in him and in your friendship dancing in the spaces between the words. I feel as though I've somehow been given a gift as each word allowed me to know a little more about this kind soul. Thank you for all you share always and thank you for sharing a small glimpse into an unforgettable soul.
So great to see this Tribute! Somewhere up in Heaven George is sitting in with Mrs. Ritterhouse and the band and enjoying himself.