Roy Cowan

Roy Cowan

It could be said that Roy Cowan’s (1918-2006) involvement with the School Journal helped to steer his life direction.

"I was interested in motor sports and car-building and other mechanical exploits," he recalled in 1968. "I joined the School Publications Branch in 1949, and contact there with the work of artist-illustrators revived my leaning towards the arts."

As an illustrator and as art editor from 1949 to 1959, Cowan played an important role at the School Journal. Cowan also wrote for the Journal. A 1950 story appears to draw on his passion for motor sports, in a fable about an island on which a law had been passed banning all feet, and insisting instead "everyone must wear WHEELS!".

Working at the School Journal also shaped Cowan’s personal life – it was here that he met his future wife Juliet Peter, staff artist between 1946 and 1951 and later a freelance contributor. Their enduring creative partnership was recognised in 2000 when both Cowan and Peter received the Companion of New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), honouring their outstanding contribution to New Zealand art.

Permission of the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa must be obtained before any reuse of this image.

Find Out More