Thomas Gurney's life took a fascinating turn as he emerged from his humble beginnings in Toronto, where he initially pursued a career as a commercial artist. The year 1938 marked a significant milestone in his life as he bid adieu to his Canadian roots and embarked on a new journey to the United States, where he joined the esteemed ranks of The Walt Disney Company. As a story writer and collaborator, he played a pivotal role in the creation of several timeless Disney classics.
As his creative horizons continued to expand, Gurney opted for a freelance career in 1948, allowing him to diversify his portfolio by taking on cartoon illustrations for various magazines and advertising campaigns. One of his most notable clients during this period was the Ethyl Corporation.
Gurney's artistic prowess, however, is most celebrated for his humorous illustrations in children's and adult books. His impressive bibliography boasts an array of titles, including Punctured Poems (1971) by Richard Armour, How to Live with a Neurotic Dog (1960) by Stephen Baker, and How to Live with a Calculating Cat (1962) by William Nettleton. Additionally, he contributed to an edition of Sportsmanlike Driving (1965),a textbook published by the American Automobile Association.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gurney received numerous accolades, including the National Cartoonists Society Advertising and Illustration Award for 1961 and 1971. His personal life was also marked by the loss of his first wife, Nancy Gurney, with whom he collaborated on several books, including The King, the Mice, and the Cheese (1965). He went on to marry his second wife, Nancy, and together they co-authored The Return of the Calculating Cat.
In his later years, Gurney and his second wife resided in Tucson, Arizona, where they continued to inspire and delight readers with their imaginative storytelling and captivating illustrations.
