James Whitworth
James Whitworth is a cartoonist and writer. He is the daily news cartoonist for the Sheffield Star, and draws a weekly news cartoon for the Sheffield Telegraph and the Jewish Chronicle as well contributing to The Author and Hi-Fi News. He has contributed cartoons to a wide range of publications including Private Eye (for whom he has also written gags), Prospect' and The Independent.
In 2016 his cartoon strip The Steels' City launched.
Born in Sheffield, United Kingdom in 1970, Whitworth was educated at Tapton School and Sheffield Hallam University, where he graduated with a degree in English language and literature. He also holds a post graduate degree in English. Before becoming a full-time cartoonist, Whitworth was a journalist writing for Sheffield Telegraph, Star and The Big Issue.
Whitworth began to publish cartoons in 2005.
During 2007-2008, Whitworth won an award from the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook for his blog. In 2007, he compiled a book of his father's (Ralph Whitworth's) cartoons to much acclaim.
He is a regular guest on BBC radio and often goes into schools to teach cartooning. His work has been published in many countries, including the United States (including school textbooks).
Whitworth's work is regularly seen in galleries and he has had three solo exhibitions. In 2013 Whitworth collaborated with Canadian artist Wildago on an exhibition to celebrate the centenary of stainless steel. Whitworth is the official cartoonist of Record Store Day.
He states his cartooning influences as Mel Calman, Johnny Hart, Charles Schulz, Reg Smythe, Osbert Lancaster, Larry, Hector Breeze, Noel Ford and his father.
Whitworth is also the author of a series of crime novels set in the North Yorkshire town of Whitby. The first three novels are Death's Disciple, The Eve of Murder and "Bidding to Die". The fourth title Better the Devil You Know was published in May 2015. A fifth novel has been commissioned and is due for publication in December 2016.
Whitworth is an Associate Lecturer in Journalism at Sheffield Hallam University, Derby University, Leeds Trinity, and Sheffield College.