Hutton, Hugh McMillen, 1897-1976

Hugh M. Hutton (1897-1976) was an American editorial cartoonist who worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer for over 30 years.

Hugh McMillen Hutton was born on December 11, 1897 in Lincoln, Nebraska and grew up with an artistic mother. After attending the University of Minnesota for two years, Hutton enlisted in the armed forces and served in World War I. Hutton pursued coursework in art through correspondence school, the Minneapolis School of Art and the Art Students League.

Hutton found some success with a feature, Nutty Natural History and moved to New York City. He worked at the New York World from 1930 to 1932 and with the United Features Syndicate in 1932 and 1933, drawing illustrations and comic strips. Hutton relocated to Philadelphia and worked as the cartoonist at the Public Ledger in 1933 and 1934. He became the Philadelphia Inquirer's editorial cartoonist in April 1934.

Hutton held membership in several professional organizations including the National Cartoonists Society, the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists, the National Press Club, and the Philadelphia Sketch Club. The National Safety Council recognized Hutton's work with awards in 1951, 1954, 1957 and 1961. He was also awarded several times by Freedoms Foundation and he received a Christopher Award.

Hugh M. Hutton retired from the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1969 and died on January 2, 1976 following a stroke. The Hugh Hutton Award for Intaglio is presented to artists by the American Color Print Society at its annual members’ exhibition.

From the guide to the Hugh M. Hutton Papers, 1932-1970, 1952-1969, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)