What was the claim to fame of the Englishman E.H. Shepard (pictured)?

Ernest Howard Shepard (1879-1976) was an illustrator of books. Though he worked on many projects, including "The Wind in the Willows", he is now best remembered for producing the original illustrations for the "Winnie-the-Pooh" books by A.A. Milne (1882-1956).

Unlike many artists, Shepard was from an artistic family on both sides, and his parents put no obstacles in his path of attending art schools. He proved highly successful, and won the prestigious Landseer Scholarship in 1899.

Already in his mid-thirties at the outbreak of World War I, he volunteered for active service, and worked for the intelligence department, where he put his talent for drawing to another use. He proved a brave and resourceful soldier, and was rewarded with the Military Cross, one of Britain's highest awards.

Unlike many of his comrades, he survived the war, and went on to live a long life. It seems he was initially reluctant to illustrate the "Pooh" books, but was persuaded. Interestingly, his illustrations were not based on Christopher Robin Milne's toy bear, but on his own teddy, Growler.