Watford cartoonist Terry Challis' work remembered

Terry Challis passed away on October 1, 2009, aged 74, and his cartoons continue to be remembered with great affection by thousands of Hornets fans.

Terry made his debut in the Watford Observer in 1972 and 23 years later this newspaper published a collection of his Hornets cartoons in a book.

Terry's much-loved allegorical painting (Image: Watford Observer)

To mark the anniversary of our late friend and colleague, you can enjoy a selection of Terry’s work from ‘Drawn Game’ by scrolling down this page.

Terry at work (Image: Watford Observer)

The book was published in 1995 and the introduction was, fittingly, penned by Watford’s greatest ever manager Graham Taylor.

The front cover of 'Drawn Game' (Image: Watford Observer)

He wrote: “There was much speculation in the national press when I came to Watford in 1977. The focus of attention seemed to be directed, not at record at Lincoln, but over the supposed terms behind my coming to Vicarage Road.

“That week, I picked up the Watford Observer for the first time in my life and saw the cartoon reproduced opposite. I had to smile but it was a big moment for me. It was also the first time in my life that I had been the subject of a newspaper cartoon.

Terry Challis makes his first team debut in the Watford Observer on August 18, 1972 (Image: Watford Observer)

“Some 18 years on, I can say that I have been the subject of a few too many cartoons. I wish Terry Challis had drawn them all but, unfortunately, the more recent ones that have been published have been in a different style.

“I cannot recall every being overly upset by a Terry Challis cartoon. Often they were making a point but they are made without malice. I always knew that, at heart, Terry was and is a fan.

“And that is right, because a town like Watford does not need malice.

The cartoon published following Graham Taylor's departure in 1987 (Image: Watford Observer)

“Before I came to Vicarage Road, Terry had become very much a part of the Watford Observer. When the readers pick up the paper, they look at what he has to say. There is often a message that can relate to a lot of things and if you are becoming a little arrogant or pompous, they can give you a nudge.

Celebrating Watford's promotion to the First Division (Image: Watford Observer)

“I had stopped keeping a scrapbook of my football career but, in 1977, because of the special project we were tackling and the nature of my five-year deal, I decided to keep my scrapbook again. After I left Watford, I gave all my scrapbooks to Watford Museum, some of which contain Terry’s originals, which he had given to me.

“He also sent me a private cartoon when I left Watford and, I hope he is not insulted, I kept it for years in our cloakroom at home.

Terry's cartoon, right, when the Hornets reached the 1984 FA Cup Final (Image: Watford Observer)

“I also remember the poster that was produced of his painting, which had been presented to Elton John. It was painted before I came but it set out Elton’s and, what became, our ambitions for Watford.

“That poster helped enforce the belief. In practical form, the message of that poster was stronger than all the words and stated ambitions.

Some of the players who featured in Terry's cartoons over the years (Image: Watford Observer)

“Yes they were good times and I enjoyed reading the Watford Observer. I often thought that Terry and Oliver Phillips could take their talents elsewhere and progress further. We talked about it on occasions.

“Then again, life took me elsewhere and perhaps that wasn’t for the best!

More of the players who were depicted by Terry's pen (Image: Watford Observer)

“Terry Challis was and is part and parcel of the club and the Watford Observer. The Watford Observer has always been the town’s newspaper and Terry is really the town’s cartoonist.

“A talented man and I wish him and his book every success.”

The introduction to 'Drawn Games' written by Graham Taylor (Image: Watford Observer)