[ Bruce Bairnsfather, cartoonist. ] Original illustration of his celebrated character 'Old Bill', with Autograph Note Signed, 'from Old Bill's trainer | Bruce Bairnsfather', given during the filming of 'Old Bill and Son'.

1p., small 4to. On leaf removed from autograph album. In very good condition, lightly-aged. Bairnsfather's entry in the Oxford Dictionary of Biography describes his celebrated First World War character 'the pipe-smoking, walrus-moustached Midlands Tommy ‘Old Bill’ Busby—‘dim, dull and honest’ and usually wearing a scarf and balaclava helmet with his uniform', and the present illustration depicts the head and shoulders of 'Old Bill' (but with sailor's cap, greatcoat and no balaclava), beneath which is written: ' ullo | to | Ann | from Old Bill's trainer | Bruce Bairnsfather | "Old Bill & Son" 2/3/40'. The recipient was the daughter of a technician at Twickenham Film Studios, and the signature was given during the filming of 'Old Bill and Son', which was based on Bairnsfather's character.