Bud, Harry Conway Fisher Paintings

Harry Conway 'Bud' Fisher was an influential American cartoonist, best known for creating the comic strip 'Mutt and Jeff'. Born on September 3, 1885, in Chicago, Illinois, Fisher grew up in a time when the American comic strip industry was in its nascent stages. He attended the University of Chicago but left without completing his degree to pursue a career in journalism. Initially, he worked in various capacities at newspapers across the country, which laid the foundation for his future in cartooning.

Fisher's breakthrough came in 1907 when he created 'Mutt and Jeff', originally titled 'A. Mutt' for the San Francisco Chronicle. The strip featured Augustus Mutt, a tall, socially ambitious but ultimately hapless gambler, and his short-statured, perpetually cheerful friend Jeff. The comic strip was one of the first to feature recurring characters and is considered a pioneer in establishing the modern comic strip format. Its popularity was immense, leading to it being nationally syndicated, and it eventually became one of the longest-running strips in comic history.

Beyond the comic strip, Fisher capitalized on the success of 'Mutt and Jeff' by venturing into animation, making it one of the first comic strips to be adapted into a series of animated cartoons starting in 1913. This was a significant contribution to the intersection of comics and animation, setting a precedent for future adaptations.

Fisher was known for his savvy business acumen, negotiating deals that allowed him to retain the rights to his creations, a rare feat among cartoonists of his time. He lived a flamboyant lifestyle, reflecting the wealth and fame he had amassed from his work. However, he was also known for his reclusiveness in his later years, increasingly delegating the comic strip's artwork to assistants while he focused on other interests.

Bud Fisher passed away on September 7, 1954, in New York City. His legacy endures through 'Mutt and Jeff', which not only entertained generations of readers but also played a crucial role in shaping the comic strip industry. Fisher's innovative approach to both the artistic and business aspects of cartooning left a lasting impact on the field, making him a seminal figure in American comics history.