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Tom Gauld

@tomgauld

Cartoonist and Illustrator. My book of science cartoons, PHYSICS FOR CATS, is available now! www.tomgauld.com

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11.06.2023
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Latest posts by Tom Gauld @tomgauld

The drawing for this (and some other pieces are) up now at: www.tomgauld.com/art-for-sale

06.03.2026 16:50 πŸ‘ 264 πŸ” 56 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 1

Thank you!

06.03.2026 08:40 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

That’s very kind. Thanks Nick!

06.03.2026 08:39 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Contact β€” tomgauld.com

It’s not, I’m afraid. Buy it you email me I can suggest a possibility www.tomgauld.com/contact

04.03.2026 17:28 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
A small girl wearing a rabbit costume and blue coat carries a book as she walks to school. 

Her mother (head out of shot) wheels her baby brother along in a pushchair. 

The baby says "Peter Rabbit may be the 'Hero' of the story, but surely the obedient, widowed Mrs Rabbit is a more effective symbol of the oppression inherent within Mister McGregor's regime"

The girls looks furious and snaps "Mum!! He's critiquing my world book day costume from a marxist perspective again!"

A small girl wearing a rabbit costume and blue coat carries a book as she walks to school. Her mother (head out of shot) wheels her baby brother along in a pushchair. The baby says "Peter Rabbit may be the 'Hero' of the story, but surely the obedient, widowed Mrs Rabbit is a more effective symbol of the oppression inherent within Mister McGregor's regime" The girls looks furious and snaps "Mum!! He's critiquing my world book day costume from a marxist perspective again!"

A cartoon reminder that tomorrow is World Book Day (In the UK anyway). Originally for the @theguardian.com

04.03.2026 17:07 πŸ‘ 1199 πŸ” 447 πŸ’¬ 10 πŸ“Œ 15

Thanks! I’m happy for you to share the cartoons on here.

04.03.2026 07:17 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
A gothic castle in the transylvanian mountains.

A great bear of a man, waring a stovepipe hat and carrying a cane: "Now that you are my bride, you will never leave this castle!" 

His new bride replies "Wow! Your library is amazing!"

He continues "Beyond the castle is a high wall with no gate, and beyond that is a deep. Dark forest with no path."

She pulls a volume from a great bookcase, "I suppose it's my library too, now we're married."

He goes on "The forest is crawling with ravenous wolves, malignant birds and the spirits of long-dead travellers."

Ignoring him, carrying a pile of hardbacks "So many books! I can't believe My luck!"

He has sprouted wings, claws and cloven hoofs.
"When the sun sets, I transform into a wild beast and soar into the night, seized by a terrible bloodlust!"

She sits, examining her books as he flies out the window "Ok. I'll stay here and read. See you in the morning"

A gothic castle in the transylvanian mountains. A great bear of a man, waring a stovepipe hat and carrying a cane: "Now that you are my bride, you will never leave this castle!" His new bride replies "Wow! Your library is amazing!" He continues "Beyond the castle is a high wall with no gate, and beyond that is a deep. Dark forest with no path." She pulls a volume from a great bookcase, "I suppose it's my library too, now we're married." He goes on "The forest is crawling with ravenous wolves, malignant birds and the spirits of long-dead travellers." Ignoring him, carrying a pile of hardbacks "So many books! I can't believe My luck!" He has sprouted wings, claws and cloven hoofs. "When the sun sets, I transform into a wild beast and soar into the night, seized by a terrible bloodlust!" She sits, examining her books as he flies out the window "Ok. I'll stay here and read. See you in the morning"

'Castle'
One of the limited-edition prints in my shop
www.tomgauld.com/shop

03.03.2026 13:55 πŸ‘ 788 πŸ” 227 πŸ’¬ 10 πŸ“Œ 14

Thanks! Yes, I do. I like working on the drawing as a whole (words, pictures, panels) on paper.

01.03.2026 17:15 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Three panels showing a bench on a small hill in London on a grey drizzly day. A man in a fedora carrying a suitcase arrives, then he is joined by a woman carrying an umbrella and a man in dark glasses reading a newspaper. They all look shifty and hurriedly converse:
"Good."
"Very."
"Agreed."
Then they all walk off down the hill.

Caption:
Every month, the Espionage Book Club discuss a classic work of spy fiction at a clandestine meeting. To minimise the risk of exposure, infiltration or surveillance by hostile agents, conversation is restricted to the essentials.

Three panels showing a bench on a small hill in London on a grey drizzly day. A man in a fedora carrying a suitcase arrives, then he is joined by a woman carrying an umbrella and a man in dark glasses reading a newspaper. They all look shifty and hurriedly converse: "Good." "Very." "Agreed." Then they all walk off down the hill. Caption: Every month, the Espionage Book Club discuss a classic work of spy fiction at a clandestine meeting. To minimise the risk of exposure, infiltration or surveillance by hostile agents, conversation is restricted to the essentials.

My cartoon for this week’s @theguardian.com books.

01.03.2026 11:50 πŸ‘ 1151 πŸ” 323 πŸ’¬ 5 πŸ“Œ 14
Post image Post image Post image

With huge thanks to @financialtimes.com for featuring our forthcoming book Woman Alive in their #htsi section - as introduced by Graham Norton and illustrated by the fabulous @tomgauld.bsky.social
This book will be published next weekend on #internationalwomensday

01.03.2026 11:42 πŸ‘ 47 πŸ” 9 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 2
Two scientists look at a monitor attached to a large apparatus consisting of pipes, tanks, vessels and hoses. 

The first scientist says
"I don't get it. The reaction is running perfectly, but we can't account for 7% of the heat."

The other says
"Have you Asked the Professor?"

The first replies
"We're not supposed To disturb him when He's in his office."

 On the other side of the apparatus, one of the pipes goes through a wall into another room where it warms the water for a hot tub in which the professor relaxes.

Two scientists look at a monitor attached to a large apparatus consisting of pipes, tanks, vessels and hoses. The first scientist says "I don't get it. The reaction is running perfectly, but we can't account for 7% of the heat." The other says "Have you Asked the Professor?" The first replies "We're not supposed To disturb him when He's in his office." On the other side of the apparatus, one of the pipes goes through a wall into another room where it warms the water for a hot tub in which the professor relaxes.

My cartoon for this week’s @newscientist.com

28.02.2026 14:06 πŸ‘ 953 πŸ” 203 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 7

I think it's due about the same time. Perhaps they just haven't got the preorder link up yet?

26.02.2026 16:44 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Thank you!

26.02.2026 16:24 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

I've never heard it before, but it does fit the book. Which is really good.

26.02.2026 16:16 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A drawing by Tom Gauld.

A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

A drawing by Tom Gauld. A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

A drawing by by Tom Gauld.

A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

A drawing by by Tom Gauld. A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

Four isolated figures appear by moonlight in a scene with grass, two trees, a building, and a path.

Four isolated figures appear by moonlight in a scene with grass, two trees, a building, and a path.

Cover of the book 'People from Bloomington' by Budi Dharma. Four isolated figures appear in a scene with grass, two trees, a building, and a path.

Cover of the book 'People from Bloomington' by Budi Dharma. Four isolated figures appear in a scene with grass, two trees, a building, and a path.

A pencil drawing, an alternative design and the original and moonlit versions of my cover for Budi Darma's previous book.

26.02.2026 16:15 πŸ‘ 107 πŸ” 8 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A book cover for 'Olenka' by Budi Darma, translated by Tiffany Tsao.

The image is a drawing by Tom Gauld.

A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

A book cover for 'Olenka' by Budi Darma, translated by Tiffany Tsao. The image is a drawing by Tom Gauld. A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

A closeup of the book cover of 'Olenka' by Budi Darma, translated by Tiffany Tsao.

The image is a drawing by Tom Gauld.

A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

A closeup of the book cover of 'Olenka' by Budi Darma, translated by Tiffany Tsao. The image is a drawing by Tom Gauld. A moonlit scene of an american suburban landscape. We can see seven very similar women (or the same woman seven times): one in a car, one reading a book on a bench, one looking out from a dark building etc.

I drew a cover for 'Olenka' by Budi Darma, translated by Tiffany Tsao. It's out in July but you can preorder it now. www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760272/olenka-by-budi-darma-translated-with-an-introduction-and-notes-by-tiffany-tsao/

26.02.2026 16:06 πŸ‘ 227 πŸ” 26 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 0

Some sketchbook doodles leading up to the cartoon below. Sadly there was no space for Kate Bush in the final artwork. #wutheringheights

The original art is now here: www.tomgauld.com/art-for-sale

23.02.2026 15:21 πŸ‘ 313 πŸ” 50 πŸ’¬ 9 πŸ“Œ 0
Title: "Literary ecologists celebrate the successful reintroduction of rare species to the Yorkshire moors."

Image: The sun is going down on a bleak windswept moor, various figures and trees are each labelled as one of the following:

1. Classic literary Cathy and Heathcliff

2. Young, carefree Cathy and heathcliff

3. Sexy Hollywood Cathy and Heathcliff

5. Ghost Cathy, tormented Heathcliff

5. Spooky tree

Title: "Literary ecologists celebrate the successful reintroduction of rare species to the Yorkshire moors." Image: The sun is going down on a bleak windswept moor, various figures and trees are each labelled as one of the following: 1. Classic literary Cathy and Heathcliff 2. Young, carefree Cathy and heathcliff 3. Sexy Hollywood Cathy and Heathcliff 5. Ghost Cathy, tormented Heathcliff 5. Spooky tree

My books cartoon for this week’s @theguardian.com

22.02.2026 11:35 πŸ‘ 731 πŸ” 207 πŸ’¬ 5 πŸ“Œ 7

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19.02.2026 13:43 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld

Panel 1.
A graveyard: the gravedigger sits on a pile of earth. Hamlet stands before him, holding a skull. 
Hamlet: β€œAlas, poor  yorick! I knew him, professor Horatio.” 
He tis looking at a lab-coated figure.
Prof. Horatio: β€œActually, my analysis suggests this skull belonged to a young woman from the late Neolithic era.”

Panel 2.
Leaving the graveyard
Hamlet: β€œPrithee, Horatio, tell me one thing.”
Prof. Horatio: β€œWhat’s that, my lord?”
Hamlet (angrily): β€œDost thou have to spoil everything.”

The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld Panel 1. A graveyard: the gravedigger sits on a pile of earth. Hamlet stands before him, holding a skull. Hamlet: β€œAlas, poor yorick! I knew him, professor Horatio.” He tis looking at a lab-coated figure. Prof. Horatio: β€œActually, my analysis suggests this skull belonged to a young woman from the late Neolithic era.” Panel 2. Leaving the graveyard Hamlet: β€œPrithee, Horatio, tell me one thing.” Prof. Horatio: β€œWhat’s that, my lord?” Hamlet (angrily): β€œDost thou have to spoil everything.”

The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld

A large Regency house. Two sisters named Emilia and Charlotte talk on an upper floor.
"Mister Blackwell has come to call again." says Emilia as she looks out of the window "Oh, how I despise his uncouth manners and electric bicycle!"

Charlotte says "Sister, you will end up a spinster if you insist on a historically accurate suitor." 
and continues "The romance novel has changed, Emilia, and so must we."

Emilia replies "Easy for you to say. You are engaged to the richest werewolf in the county!"

They are walking through the house.

Charlotte says "Look at Cousin Lucy: She is quite plain, yet made a most advantageous match with the dragon queen of nalthrax."

"True." says Emilia opening the door.

The tall, solid figure of Mister Blackwell stands at the door wearing a top hat and tailcoat:
"Ladies, I triumphed In my ice hockey match and won ten thousand a year in sponsorship! Miss Emilia, will you be my bride?" he is holding a hockey stick.

Emilia swoons into Charlotte's arms.

The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld A large Regency house. Two sisters named Emilia and Charlotte talk on an upper floor. "Mister Blackwell has come to call again." says Emilia as she looks out of the window "Oh, how I despise his uncouth manners and electric bicycle!" Charlotte says "Sister, you will end up a spinster if you insist on a historically accurate suitor." and continues "The romance novel has changed, Emilia, and so must we." Emilia replies "Easy for you to say. You are engaged to the richest werewolf in the county!" They are walking through the house. Charlotte says "Look at Cousin Lucy: She is quite plain, yet made a most advantageous match with the dragon queen of nalthrax." "True." says Emilia opening the door. The tall, solid figure of Mister Blackwell stands at the door wearing a top hat and tailcoat: "Ladies, I triumphed In my ice hockey match and won ten thousand a year in sponsorship! Miss Emilia, will you be my bride?" he is holding a hockey stick. Emilia swoons into Charlotte's arms.

The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld

Panel 1: Some social scientists 
(five stick figure portraits of scientists)
Economist 
Archaeologist 
Geographer 
Psychologist 
Anthropologist 

Panel 2: Some antisocial scientists 
(five stick figures scuttling out of the panel)
Introverted Astronomer 
Solitary Mathematician 
Reclusive Biologist 
Misanthropic Chemist 
Withdrawn Physicist

The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld Panel 1: Some social scientists (five stick figure portraits of scientists) Economist Archaeologist Geographer Psychologist Anthropologist Panel 2: Some antisocial scientists (five stick figures scuttling out of the panel) Introverted Astronomer Solitary Mathematician Reclusive Biologist Misanthropic Chemist Withdrawn Physicist

The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld

Panel One: A sportscaster speaks to a television camera
"You join us just in time for the annual booksellers versus librarians tug of war."

Panel Two: We see the participants warming up as he continues...
"Two very strong teams this year, they’ve both been in training since February. As always, the real skill in this match is not to start chatting about boo-"

Panel Three: 
"Too late!! 
A pair of librarians are discussing the new Margaret Atwood! 
A crowd is forming! 
The booksellers are joining in! 
It's all over!!"
We see all the participants chatting.

Panel Four: The sportscaster finishes up to the camera:
"The rope lies untouched! 
The discussions continue! 
We have a draw for 325th year in a row! 
Join us again next year!"

End.

The original ink drawing of a cartoon by Tom Gauld Panel One: A sportscaster speaks to a television camera "You join us just in time for the annual booksellers versus librarians tug of war." Panel Two: We see the participants warming up as he continues... "Two very strong teams this year, they’ve both been in training since February. As always, the real skill in this match is not to start chatting about boo-" Panel Three: "Too late!! A pair of librarians are discussing the new Margaret Atwood! A crowd is forming! The booksellers are joining in! It's all over!!" We see all the participants chatting. Panel Four: The sportscaster finishes up to the camera: "The rope lies untouched! The discussions continue! We have a draw for 325th year in a row! Join us again next year!" End.

I've put a few original drawings from recent cartoons up for sale on my website: www.tomgauld.com/art-for-sale

19.02.2026 13:26 πŸ‘ 260 πŸ” 60 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 3

It’s not specifically about one thing, more about general trends.

16.02.2026 07:35 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

😁

15.02.2026 15:40 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

I’ve never been before and was amazed.

15.02.2026 14:35 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
A large Regency house. Two sisters named Emilia and Charlotte talk on an upper floor.
"Mister Blackwell has come to call again." says Emilia as she looks out of the window "Oh, how I despise his uncouth manners and electric bicycle!"

Charlotte says "Sister, you will end up a spinster if you insist on a historically accurate suitor." 
and continues "The romance novel has changed, Emilia, and so must we."

Emilia replies "Easy for you to say. You are engaged to the richest werewolf in the county!"

They are walking through the house.

Charlotte says "Look at Cousin Lucy: She is quite plain, yet made a most advantageous match with the dragon queen of nalthrax."

"True." says Emilia opening the door.

The tall, solid figure of Miuster Blackwell stands at the door wearing a top hat and tailcoat:
"Ladies, I triumphed In my ice hockey match and won ten thousand a year in sponsorship! Miss Emilia, will you be my bride?" he is holding a hockey stick.

Emilia swoons into Charlotte's arms.

A large Regency house. Two sisters named Emilia and Charlotte talk on an upper floor. "Mister Blackwell has come to call again." says Emilia as she looks out of the window "Oh, how I despise his uncouth manners and electric bicycle!" Charlotte says "Sister, you will end up a spinster if you insist on a historically accurate suitor." and continues "The romance novel has changed, Emilia, and so must we." Emilia replies "Easy for you to say. You are engaged to the richest werewolf in the county!" They are walking through the house. Charlotte says "Look at Cousin Lucy: She is quite plain, yet made a most advantageous match with the dragon queen of nalthrax." "True." says Emilia opening the door. The tall, solid figure of Miuster Blackwell stands at the door wearing a top hat and tailcoat: "Ladies, I triumphed In my ice hockey match and won ten thousand a year in sponsorship! Miss Emilia, will you be my bride?" he is holding a hockey stick. Emilia swoons into Charlotte's arms.

A romance cartoon for the @theguardian.com

15.02.2026 10:30 πŸ‘ 1131 πŸ” 374 πŸ’¬ 13 πŸ“Œ 27

Nice! I was thinking of you today as I walked around Highgate cemetery.

14.02.2026 19:51 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

I don’t think it actually makes much difference to my royalties. Though supporting a local bookshop would be my suggestion.

14.02.2026 18:34 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Title: A Valentine’s Day experiment 

In an effort to test the efficacy of cupids arrows of desire.

A placebo group is shot with regular arrows.

Their injuries range from moderate to sever.

Unexpectedly, romances struck up in hospital and lawyers’ waiting rooms create a "romance ratio" similar to that of magic arrows.

However, once the cost of compensation claims is factored in, it is decided to discontinue.

Title: A Valentine’s Day experiment In an effort to test the efficacy of cupids arrows of desire. A placebo group is shot with regular arrows. Their injuries range from moderate to sever. Unexpectedly, romances struck up in hospital and lawyers’ waiting rooms create a "romance ratio" similar to that of magic arrows. However, once the cost of compensation claims is factored in, it is decided to discontinue.

A Valentine’s Day cartoon for @newscientist.com

14.02.2026 14:02 πŸ‘ 896 πŸ” 287 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 6
Title: A personalised Valentine's card for bibliophiles 

Image: A cartoon heart with arms, legs and a smiling face. With an empty speech bubble above.

Five options for text to cut out and put in the bubble:

I love you more than my books! 
I love you as much as my books! 
I love you almost as much as my books! 
I love you! No more questions! 
I love books!

Title: A personalised Valentine's card for bibliophiles Image: A cartoon heart with arms, legs and a smiling face. With an empty speech bubble above. Five options for text to cut out and put in the bubble: I love you more than my books! I love you as much as my books! I love you almost as much as my books! I love you! No more questions! I love books!

A valentine's card for bibliophiles.
For @theguardian.com books.
Download a printable version here:
www.tomgauld.com/valentine

12.02.2026 14:44 πŸ‘ 495 πŸ” 164 πŸ’¬ 7 πŸ“Œ 20

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09.02.2026 19:26 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

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09.02.2026 19:26 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0