Annie Tempest was born in Zambia and moved to the United Kingdom when she was 3 years old. Soon after, her father inherited the magnificent Broughton Hall, which was later to become the inspiration for her beloved and acclaimed cartoon strip Tottering-by-Gently.  

Her subtle and humorous depictions of Dicky and Daffy Tottering and their family has expanded—from its 1993 debut in Country Life magazine into a small empire—both through syndication and licensing as well as a number of memorable exhibitions. As the Duke of Devonshire once commented, Tottering-by-Gently is the reason why “most people read magazines backwards.” In 2009 she won the prestigious Pont Prize for drawing the the British Character, the highest accolade in her profession. 

Annie is still living and working in rural Norfolk in a beautifully converted barn surrounded by glorious gardens. Her studios are filled with Tottering delights, and while her weekly plans for Dicky and Daffy continue, her creative expression has also found a new outlet in sculpture. Her inaugural sculpture exhibition, Play as Cast (2012), was held at London’s O’Shea Gallery.