Eric Walmsley Heath (born 28 November 1923) is a New Zealand artist, illustrator, and cartoonist.

Life and work

Heath was born in Wellington and began his professional life working as an filing clerk for The Evening Post.[1] He joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the Second World War and served with the Air Sea Rescue Catalina Squadron in the Solomon Islands.[1]

After his military service Heath returned to working for The Evening Post, training as a photo engraver.[1] Subsequent to this he worked as a freelance artist.[1] In 1965, Heath had his first cartoon published in the Dominion newspaper.[2] He was the editorial cartoonist for the Dominion from 1964 until 1993 and produced five cartoons a week for 28 years.[2][3]

Eric also produced illustrations for commissioned or collaborative books covering diverse subject matter.[3][2]

Hobbies

Heath participated in scuba diving and helped establish the Wellington Underwater Club in 1951.[1][4] He has also built stage sets for the Plimmerton Little Theatre group and replica bumboats.[5]

Bibliography

• Marine Fishes of New Zealand by Eric Heath and John M. Moreland. Bailey Bros and Swinfen. 1969.[6]
• Marine Fishes of New Zealand: Shoreline and Shallow Seas v. 1 (Mobil New Zealand nature series) by L. Paul and Eric Heath. Raupo Publishing (NZ) Ltd. 1997
• Marine Fishes of New Zealand: Deeper Coastal and Ocean Waters v. 2 (Mobil New Zealand nature series) by L. Paul and Eric Heath. Raupo Publishing (NZ) Ltd. 1997
• Seashore Life (Mobil New Zealand nature series) by Eric Heath and R.K. Dell. Raupo Publishing (NZ) Ltd. 1993
• Classic Steam Locomotives of New Zealand Vol 1 by Bob Stott and Eric Heath. Grantham House Publishing. 1994.

References