View source for May Gibbs

{{Short description|Australian artist, writer (1877–1969)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox writer/doc]] -->
| name = May Gibbs
| image = May Gibbs.jpg
| imagesize = 
| caption = 1916 photographic portrait
| pseudonym = Stan Cottman, Blob
| birth_date = {{birth date|1877|01|17|df=y}}
| birth_place = [[Kent]], England
| death_date = {{death date and age|1969|11|27|1877|01|17|df=y}}
| death_place = [[Sydney]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| occupation = Author, illustrator
| nationality = English<br>Australian
| period = 1912–1953
| genre = Children's literature
| movement = 
| influences = 
| influenced = 
| signature = Banksia man (detail).png
| website = {{URL|https://maygibbs.org/}}
}}

'''Cecilia May Gibbs''' [[Order of the British Empire|MBE]] (17 January 1877 – 27 November 1969) was an Australian children's author, illustrator, and cartoonist. She is best known for her [[gumnut babies]] (also known as "bush babies" or "bush fairies"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/blogs/100th-anniversary-may-gibbs|title=100th Anniversary for May Gibbs|date=23 November 2016|website=www.sl.nsw.gov.au|access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref>), and the book ''[[Snugglepot and Cuddlepie]]''.

==Early life==
Gibbs was born in [[Sydenham, Kent]], in the United Kingdom,<ref>{{cite book|chapter-url=http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gibbs-cecilia-may-6373|title=Cecilia May Gibbs| first=Maureen|last=Walsh|publisher=National Centre of Biography, Australian National University|via=Australian Dictionary of Biography|chapter=Gibbs, Cecilia May (1877–1969)}}</ref> to Herbert William Gibbs (1852 – 4 October 1940) and Cecilia Gibbs, née Rogers (c. 1851 – 26 March 1941), who were both talented artists. She was their second child, and as she was named after her mother, had the nickname "Mamie".<ref>Walsh p. 10</ref>

The family planned to move to South Australia to set up a farm in 1879 due to Herbert's failing eyesight, the result of a boyhood injury.<ref>Walsh, p. 11</ref> However, as Gibbs had caught the [[measles]], her father and uncle George Gordon Gibbs (c. 1860 – 24 August 1921) went to Australia, leaving her mother in England to care for the children.<ref>Walsh, p. 12</ref>

On 1 June 1881, the Gibbs brothers arrived in South Australia, and began to look for the land arranged for them by a relative of theirs. Over the next few months, the brothers became disillusioned with the land.<ref>Walsh, pp. 13–14</ref> Cecilia discovered that she was pregnant again, and decided to make the voyage to Australia with her children. Despite her parents' dismay, Cecilia and the children left, and her third child, Ivan, was born at sea.<ref>Walsh, p. 15</ref>

A drought in the area caused the family to move again, to [[Norwood, South Australia|Norwood]].<ref>Walsh, pp. 17–18</ref> In 1885, the family moved again to a farm property in [[Harvey, Western Australia]].<ref>Walsh, p. 19</ref> At the age of eight, Gibbs was given a pony named Brownie by her father. May enjoyed exploring the bush riding her pony, and began to paint and write about the bush at this time.<ref>Walsh, pp. 24–27</ref> This period of her childhood, and her imaginative interpretation of the bush, was formative in the development of the anthropomorphic bush setting found in her work.<ref name="Seddon">{{cite book |last=Seddon |first= George|author-link=George Seddon (academic) |title= Landprints: reflections on place and landscape|year=1997 |publisher= [[Cambridge University Press]] |location= Cambridge |isbn=0-521-65999-X |pages=113–118|chapter=Cuddlepie and other surrogates }}</ref> When Gibbs was 10, the family moved to [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]],<ref>Walsh, p. 29</ref> where she was educated at Amy Best's girls' school in Perth.<ref name="adb.anu.edu.au">[http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gibbs-cecilia-may-6373 ''"Gibbs, Cecilia May (1877–1969)"'', ''Australian Dictionary of Biography'', 1981] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513042536/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gibbs-cecilia-may-6373 |date=13 May 2016 }}; Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref>

[[File:Banksia man.png|thumb|250px|A "Banksia Man" abducting Little Ragged Blossom, from ''Snugglepot and Cuddlepie''.]] 
[[File:(1) Nutcote2.jpg|thumb|250px|Nutcote, in [[Kurraba Point, New South Wales|Kurraba Point (Sydney)]], where May spent much of her life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maygibbs.com.au|title=May Gibbs' Nutcote|website=www.maygibbs.com.au}}</ref>]]
[[File:Harvey stirling cottage.jpg|thumb|250px|A replica of the Stirling Cottage, Harvey (Western Australia), in which May Gibbs lived.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://harveytourism.mysouthwest.com.au/Attractions/details?row_id=66798212|title=Stirling Cottage|publisher=Harvey Visitor Centre|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222001320/http://harveytourism.mysouthwest.com.au/attractions/details?row_id=66798212|archive-date=22 December 2007}}</ref>]]
[[File:(1)Derry.jpg|thumb|250px|Derry, Neutral Bay, where May Gibbs lived for a time before she lived at Nutcote.]]

Gibbs was published for the first time in the Christmas edition of the ''W.A. Bulletin'', 1889.<ref>Walsh, p. 31</ref> In 1894, Gibbs attended an artists' camp set up by H.C. Prinsep, who along with her father, was one of the founding members of the Wilgie Sketching Club (later the West Australian Society of Artists)<ref>[http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/prinsep-henry-charles-harry-8119 ''"Prinsep, Henry Charles (Harry) (1844–1922)",'' ''Australian Dictionary of Biography'', 1988] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220083533/http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/prinsep-henry-charles-harry-8119 |date=20 December 2016 }}; Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref>  at [[Greenmount, Western Australia#Undercliffe|'Undercliffe' in Greenmount, Western Australia]].<ref>[https://www.daao.org.au/bio/may-gibbs/biography/ ''Design & Art Australia Online'', "May Gibbs: Artist, Draughtsman, Painter, Cartoonist, Illustrator", 1995] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082914/https://www.daao.org.au/bio/may-gibbs/biography/ |date=20 December 2016 }}; Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref> That year she began painting in oils ''"anything at all – trying to get beyond the sticky stage… painting plaques to hang on walls and earning enough to keep myself in all but chemist bills"'', Gibbs stated.<ref>Walsh, p. 38</ref> She also painted scenery and made set designs for local amateur productions.<ref>Walsh, p. 35</ref> In the mid-1890s she was attending classes at the [[Art Gallery of Western Australia]].<ref>Walsh, p. 44</ref>

==Study in England==

Between 1890 and 1913, Gibbs made several trips to England, primarily to study art. She spent a year at the South Kensington Art School run by [[Arthur Stockdale Cope]] and [[Erskine Nicol]], and attended classes at the Chelsea Polytechnic (now [[Chelsea College of Arts]]), studying under [[Augustus John]] and Ernest Borough Johnson. She graduated in 1905 with first class passes in every category. Gibbs' art education also included 'half-hours' at the studios of [[Victoria and Albert Museum]] where students could draw the nude for free,<ref name="daao.org.au">[https://www.daao.org.au/bio/may-gibbs/biography/ ''"May Gibbs: Artist, Draughtsman, Painter, Cartoonist, Illustrator"'', ''Design & Art Australia Online'', 1995] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220082914/https://www.daao.org.au/bio/may-gibbs/biography/ |date=20 December 2016 }}; Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref> and a term at the School for Black and White Artists run by Henry Blackburn, editor of [[London Society]]. During her time in England, Gibbs completed assignments as an illustrator for [[George G. Harrap and Co.]], published a fantasy about London chimneys, ''About Us'' (1912), and drew cartoons for the ''Common Cause'', published by the [[Suffragettes]].<ref name="adb.anu.edu.au"/>

==Early work ==
On her return trips home to Australia, Gibbs produced fashion illustrations for ''[[The West Australian]]'' and cartoons for the Western Australian magazine ''Social Kodak''. She became a regular contributor to [[Western Mail (Western Australia)|''Western Mail'']].<ref name="Seddon"/> Her sketches, illustrations, cartoons and caricatures appeared on the cover and throughout the newspaper between 1904 and 1908. Notably, Gibbs illustrated an article written by Senator [[Agnes Robertson Robertson|Agnes Robertson]] on the women's rights movement ''{{'}}Women's Position in the State' by 'One of Them{{'}}''.<ref>Walsh p. 71</ref> Gibbs is seen as one of Australia's first resident professional woman cartoonists and caricaturists and the first Australian woman known to have drawn local political cartoons. ''"May Gibbs was a pioneer for female cartoonists, especially since she was successful,"'' noted renowned Australian cartoonist Lindsay Foyle.<ref>[http://thecartoonfactory.com.au/gibbs.html ''"May's Magic Vandalised"'', ''The Cartoon Factory'', 26 June 1997] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160228153512/http://thecartoonfactory.com.au/gibbs.html |date=28 February 2016 }}; Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref> In 1907 she exhibited five watercolours in the First Australian Exhibition of Women's Work at Melbourne.<ref name="daao.org.au"/> 
 
==Return to Australia==
Due to ill health, Gibbs returned to Australia from England in 1913, and  settled in Sydney. She took up residence at Derry, a heritage listed semi-detached house in [[Neutral Bay, New South Wales|Neutral Bay]]. 1913 also marked the first public appearance of the [[Snugglepot and Cuddlepie|gumnut]] babies, on the front cover of ''The Missing Button'' by [[Ethel Turner]], which Gibbs had illustrated. She produced postcards depicting gumnut babies in uniform to support Australia's role in World War One at this time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/files/3e437e57-c357-410a-b4b2-a15d00cde100/25_The_World_of_May_Gibbs.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=17 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092155/http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/files/3e437e57-c357-410a-b4b2-a15d00cde100/25_The_World_of_May_Gibbs.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016  }}  retrieved 3 July 2012</ref> Gibbs' first book about the gumnut babies, titled ''Gumnut Babies'', was published in 1916. It was soon followed, in 1918, by her most famous work, ''Snugglepot and Cuddlepie''.<ref>[http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=2181216 ''"Heritage Places - Derry"'', ''NSW Office of Environment and Heritage'', 2 August 2013] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220112442/http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=2181216 |date=20 December 2016 }}; Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref> Gibbs wrote many books on the theme of the gumnut babies.

Gibbs married Bertram James Ossoli Kelly, a mining agent, on 17 April 1919,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article81838716|title=Mainly About People|date=19 April 1919|newspaper=[[Daily News (Perth, Western Australia)|Daily News]]|access-date=28 September 2018|issue=13,768|location=Western Australia|volume=XXXVIII|page=4 (THIRD EDITION)|via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> whom she met during a visit to Perth.<ref name="adb.anu.edu.au"/> In 1925 they moved into their purpose built home [[Nutcote]], then in [[Neutral Bay, New South Wales|Neutral Bay]] (now part of [[Kurraba Point, New South Wales|Kurraba Point]]), in Sydney.<ref>[http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=2181243 ''"Heritage Places - Nutcote"'', ''NSW Office of Environment and Heritage'', 2 August 2013] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116020502/http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=2181243 |date=16 November 2016 }}; Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref> He died in 1939. 

James Ossoli Kelly, according to a Sutherland Shire Historical Bulletin, was a friend of [[Francis de Groot]], the member of the fascist paramilitary organisation, [[New Guard|the New Guard]].<ref>{{Cite journal |date=November 2009 |title=Bulletin Vol.14 No. 4 |url=https://www.shirehistory.org/uploads/1/0/9/1/109164607/173_2009_november.pdf |journal=Sutherland Shire Historical Society Inc. |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=17–18}}</ref> De Groot would most infamously disrupt the opening of the [[Sydney Harbour Bridge]], disgruntled at the leftist policies of the then [[Jack Lang (Australian politician)|NSW Premier Jack Lang]]. As of 2024, a 2019 facebook post by May Gibb's Nutcote shows that a watercolour portrait of Bessie de Groot, (the wife of Francis de Groot) painted by May Gibbs still hangs in the breakfast room of [[Nutcote]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/MayGibbsNutcote/posts/in-mays-breakfast-room-the-bessie-de-groot-portrait-is-a-watercolour-by-may-gibb/2944162085601254/?_rdr |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=www.facebook.com}}</ref>

Gibbs continued to write and illustrate children's books, publishing ''Little Ragged Blossom'' in 1920<ref>{{cite book | author=Gibbs, M. | year=1920 | title=Little Ragged Blossom, & more about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie | publisher= Angus & Robertson, Sydney | url=https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21134758830002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US}}</ref> and ''Little Obelia'' the following year.<ref>{{cite book | author=Gibbs, M. | year=1921 | title=Little Obelia, and further adventures of Ragged Blossom, Snugglepot & Cuddlepie | publisher= Angus & Robertson, Sydney | url=https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21113868670002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US}}</ref> In addition to her work illustrating and writing, Gibbs maintained two comic strips, ''Bib and Bub'' 1924–1967 and ''Tiggy Touchwood'' 1925–1931, in opposition newspapers.  ''Tiggy Touchwood'' appeared in the ''[[Herald Sun|Sunday Sun]]'' under the signature "Stan Cottman". The comic strips were published in newspapers in most Australian states and also in New Zealand. In 1923 she published ''Nuttybub and Nittersing''<ref>{{cite book | author=Gibbs, M. | year=1923 | title=Nuttybub and Nittersing | publisher= Osboldstone &., Melbourne | url=https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21112113140002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US}}</ref> and in 1929 ''Two Little Gum-Nuts''.<ref>{{cite book | author=Gibbs, M. | year=1929 | title=Two little gum-nuts | publisher= Cornstalk, Sydney | url=https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21118405780002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US}}</ref> All her books have been reprinted numerous times and five cartoon books of ''Bib and Bub'' have been published.

In addition to her children's books, Gibbs was also an accomplished botanical artist whose work is said to have inspired other artists interested in indigenous flora.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Stephens |first1=Andrew |title=May Gibbs revealed |journal=Art Monthly Australia |date=2018 |issue=312 | url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2130256635 |id={{ProQuest|2130256635}} }}</ref> Art historian, Anna Jug, has described her work as being both delightfully imaginative and botanically accurate.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jug |first1=Anna |title=Close to nature: May Gibbs and Australian botanical artists |journal=Australian Garden History |date=2018 |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=12–15 | url=https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=517884821776863;res=IELAPA}}</ref>

==Death and legacy==
May Gibbs died in Sydney on 27 November 1969, and was cremated at [[Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney]].<ref name="adb.anu.edu.au"/><ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/crematorium-opens-doors-to-everlasting-celebrations-of-life-20120615-20fdl.html ''Sydney Morning Herald'', "Crematorium opens doors to everlasting celebrations of life", 16 June 2012] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018065202/http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/crematorium-opens-doors-to-everlasting-celebrations-of-life-20120615-20fdl.html |date=18 October 2015 }}; Retrieved 7 August 2013</ref> Gibbs bequeathed the copyright from the designs of her bush characters and her stories to [[Northcott Disability Services]] (formerly The NSW Society for Crippled Children) and [[Cerebral Palsy Alliance]] (formerly The Spastic Centre of NSW).<ref name="SUP_NewsArchive_17Jan2009_LegacyofMayGibbs">{{cite web|url=http://www.sup.usyd.edu.au/news_archive.html|title=News from Sydney University Press|date=17 January 2009|publisher=[[Sydney University Press]]|access-date=3 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20091112004812/http://www.sup.usyd.edu.au/news_archive.html|archive-date=12 November 2009}}</ref> The residue of her estate was left to the [[United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund]].<ref name="adb.anu.edu.au"/>

Gibbs and her husband Kelly's connection to [[Francis de Groot]] and the [[New Guard]], the largest and most successful fascist organisation in Australian history have long been omitted or brushed over as it is in-congruent with her posthumous reputation as a children's author and illustrator.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Moore |first=Andrew |date=2005 |title=The New Guard and the Labour Movement, 1931-35 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27516075 |journal=Labour History |issue=89 |pages=55–72 |doi=10.2307/27516075 |jstor=27516075 |issn=0023-6942}}</ref>

In 1985 a postage stamp honouring Gibbs, or her best known creations, was issued by [[Australia Post]] as part of a set of five commemorating children's books.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australianstamp.com/images/large/0015520.jpg |title=Archived copy |access-date=10 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051936/http://www.australianstamp.com/images/large/0015520.jpg |archive-date=4 March 2016  }}</ref>

In 1988 a street in the Canberra suburb of [[Richardson, Australian Capital Territory|Richardson]] was named May Gibbs Close in her honour.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article237708927|title=National Memorial Ordinance 1928 Determination of Nomenclature Australian Capital Territory National Memorials Ordinance 1928 Determination of Nomenclature|date=31 August 1988|work=Commonwealth of Australia Gazette. Periodic (National : 1977 - 2011)|access-date=8 September 2019|pages=1}}</ref>

On 17 January 2013, Google Doodle celebrated Cecilia May Gibbs' 136th Birthday.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cecilia May Gibbs' 136th Birthday |url=https://doodles.google/doodle/cecilia-may-gibbs-136th-birthday/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=www.google.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-15 |title=17 January: Remembering Cecilia May Gibbs on Birthday |url=https://observervoice.com/17-january-remembering-cecilia-may-gibbs-on-birthday-12627/ |access-date=2023-01-17 |website=Observer Voice |language=en-US}}</ref>

On 3 December 2016, the [[State Library of New South Wales]] opened an exhibition of Gibbs' artwork to mark the 100th anniversary of the e publication of ''Gumnut Babies''.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-05/gumnut-babies-turn-100-may-gibbs-artwork-remembered/8093500 ''"Gumnut Babies turn 100, May Gibbs' famous series celebrated in Sydney"'', ''ABC News'', 5 December 2016] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224044057/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-05/gumnut-babies-turn-100-may-gibbs-artwork-remembered/8093500 |date=24 December 2016 }} Retrieved 6 December 2016</ref> In January 2018 a [[Sydney Ferries]]' [[Emerald-class ferry]] was named in honour of the author.<ref>[https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/ferry-mcferryface-wasnt-public-pick-for-new-ferry-name-until-andrew-constances-captains-pick/news-story/acf5862b4c9d9dca5f4a6ababa29ebcb Ferry McFerryface wasn't public pick for new ferry name until Andrew Constance's captain's pick] ''[[Daily Telegraph (Australia)|Daily Telegraph]]'' 30 January 2018</ref>

Gibb's Nutcote home was one of the first four blue plaques awarded by the [[Government of New South Wales|New South Wales government]] scheme in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barlass |first=Tim |date=2022-04-17 |title=Blue plaques chosen by public revealed – and there are surprises |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/blue-plaques-chosen-by-public-revealed-and-there-are-surprises-20220416-p5adwz.html |access-date=2023-11-18 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cormack |first=Lucy |date=2021-06-11 |title=May Gibbs' former studio to claim first heritage blue plaque |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/may-gibbs-former-studio-to-claim-first-heritage-blue-plaque-20210611-p58099.html |access-date=2023-11-18 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>

==Works==
[[File:MG I'm not stumped yet! (cricket) c. 1916, colour postcard by May Gibbs (39852404782).jpg|thumb|right|"I'm not stumped yet!" postcard, depicting gumnut babies playing cricket]]
*(1912). About us / by May Gibbs. (No. 3529). London : New York: Ernest Nister; E.P. Dutton, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA2198505170002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1913). Scribbling Sue and other stories / by [[Amy Mack|Amy Eleanor Mack]]. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21156341660002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1913). Georgian England (1714–1820) / by Susan Cunnington; illustrated by May Gibbs. London: George G. Harrap &, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21152012280002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1915). Gem of the Flat / by [[Constance Mackness]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michelle |title=Book Cover: Gem of the Flat, Constance Mackness |url=http://www.girlsliterature.com.au/2012/02/book-cover-gem-of-flat-constance.html |access-date=2024-01-09 |language=en}}</ref>
*(1915). A little bush poppy / by Edith Graham; illustrated by May Gibbs. Melbourne: Lothian Book Publishing, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21104672850002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1916). Gum blossom babies / words and pictures by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21134715790002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1917). Boronia babies / May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21111735480002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1917). Flannel flowers and other bush babies / May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21140870250002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1918). Wattle babies / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21135014880002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1918). Snugglepot and Cuddlepie : Their Adventures Wonderful / Pictures and words by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21126379060002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1920). Little Ragged Blossom, & more about Snugglepot and Cuddlepie / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21134758830002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1921). Little Obelia, and further adventures of Ragged Blossom, Snugglepot & Cuddlepie / May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21113868670002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1922). Gumnut babies : Words and pictures / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21108030090002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1923). Nuttybub and Nittersing / by May Gibbs. Melbourne: Osboldstone &., [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21112113140002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1924). Chucklebud and Wunkydoo / by May Gibbs. Melbourne: Osboldstone, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21101651470002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1925). Bib and Bub : Their adventures / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Cornstalk Pub, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21155788710002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1927). The further adventures of Bib and Bub / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Cornstalk Publishing, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21138392800002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1927). The struggle with the crown (1603–1715) / by E.M. Wilmot-Buxton; illustrated by May Gibbs. London: George G. Harrap, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21151743260002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1928). More funny stories / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Cornstalk Publishing, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21156573070002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1929). Bib & Bub in Gumnut town / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Halstead Printing, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21156608230002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1932). A bush greeting to you / May Gibbs. Sydney, N.S.W.?, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA2192679000002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1940). The complete adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie / pictures & words by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21115322350002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1941). Scotty in gumnut land / by May Gibbs. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21118910120002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1943). Mr. & Mrs. Bear and friends / by [May Gibbs]. Sydney: Angus & Robertson, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=SLNSW_ALMA21115218500002626&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US reference online]
*(1953). Prince Dande Lion, incomplete, State Library of New South Wales, [https://search.sl.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=ADLIB110356193&context=L&vid=SLNSW&search_scope=EEA&tab=default_tab&lang=en_US MLMSS 2409]

==Material held in collections ==
The State Library of New South Wales – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110316626 papers, relics and pictorial collections, 1900–1969] 
*May Gibbs papers – Guide located at MLMSS 2048/1A
*SERIES 01 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110585935 Literary Manuscripts, 1901–1967] - published works 1916–1953, Unpublished works 1901–1941, Notebooks and Miscellaneous Notes and Verses 1906–1966, Newspaper column n.d., Cartoons, 1924–1967 
*SERIES 02 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110356137 Professional Papers, 1912–1967] - Literary Manuscripts 1901–1967, Published works; Unpublished works; Notebooks, and Miscellaneous Notes and Verses; Newspaper Column; Cartoons; Professional Papers 1912–1967; Correspondence; General Papers; Financial Papers; Personal Papers 1900–1969; Correspondence; Journals & Notebooks; Financial Papers; Newspaper Cuttings 1905–1967; Cartoons; 'Gumnut Gossip'; Miscellaneous Cuttings; Printed and Miscellaneous Material, 1906–1967; Microfilm Material, n.d. 
*SERIES 03 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110585989 Personal Papers, 1900–1969] - manuscript; typescript; illustrations; clippings; ephemera. 
*SERIES 04 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110585923 Newspaper Cuttings], 1905–1967 – Cartoons; 'Gumnut Gossip'; Miscellaneous Cuttings. 
*SERIES 05 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110586320 Printed and Miscellaneous Material, 1906–1967] – Cartoons; 'Gumnut Gossip'; Miscellaneous Cuttings.
*SERIES 06 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110586321 Microfilm Material, n.d.] - Being five short stories selected by F. Treuthardt: 'The Three Scottie pups'; 'Funny Mrs Lizzard'; 'The Missing Tadpoles'; 'The Lost Food Basket'; Bib and Bub's Shoe Shop' 
*SERIES 07 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110328421 Illustrations, 1867 – ca. 1968 / May Gibbs] - mostly May Gibbs' original sketches for her children's books. Also included are sketches for proposed publications, studies made while at art school in London, and portraits and photographs of her family and friends.
*SERIES 08 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110332626 May Gibbs relics, 1900–1969] – Badge of MBE; Bell; 2 figurines; printing blocks; printed handkerchiefs; gum leaves and bark.
*SERIES 09 – [http://archival.sl.nsw.gov.au/Details/archive/110332614 Framed pictures and individual works, 1910–1930? / by May Gibbs or H.W. Gibbs] – five watercolour drawings.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* {{cite web |url=http://www.maygibbs.com.au/maygibbs.html |title=About May Gibbs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060630065721/http://www.maygibbs.com.au/maygibbs.html |archive-date=30 June 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=1 April 2006 |last1=Chapman |first1=Jean |website=Nutcote}}
* [http://www.anbg.gov.au/biography/gibbs.may.html Biography: May Gibbs], [[Australian National Botanic Gardens]] website.  Accessed 1 April 2006.
*{{cite book | last = Walsh | first = Maureen | title = May Gibbs: Mother of the Gumnuts: Her Life and Work | year = 1985 | publisher = [[Angus & Robertson]] | isbn = 0-207-15178-4 }}
* Sharkey, Chris and Pendal, Phillip (2000). ''May and Herbert Gibbs: The people, the Places'', South Perth, W.A. The May Gibbs Trust. {{ISBN|0-646-38811-8}}
* Walsh, Maureen (2007). ''May Gibbs: Mother of the Gumnuts'', Sydney: Sydney University Press. {{ISBN|978-1-920898-49-6}}, [http://purl.library.usyd.edu.au/sup/9781920898496]

== External links ==
{{Sister project auto}}
* Walsh, Maureen (2008). ''An Interview with May Gibbs DVD'', Sydney: Sydney University Press. {{ISBN|978-1-920899-22-6}}
*[http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/stories/may-gibbs May Gibbs Story at the State Library of NSW]
* [http://www.maygibbs.com.au/ May Gibbs' Nutcote]
* [http://old.southperth.wa.gov.au/gibbs/ May and Herbert Gibbs Collection] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311184318/http://old.southperth.wa.gov.au/gibbs/ |date=11 March 2019 }}
* [http://www.noz.com.au/gibbs.html "The May Gibbs battle"] Panozzo Online
* {{Australian Women and Leadership|WLE0691b|Gibbs, Cecilia May (1877–1969)}}
* [http://www.maygibbs.org/ May Gibbs' Merchandise Website]
* [https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-214559229/listen May Gibbs interviewed by Hazel de Berg for the Hazel de Berg collection] – audio recording

{{Authority control}}
{{Portalbar|Children's literature}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gibbs, May}}
[[Category:1877 births]]
[[Category:1969 deaths]]
[[Category:Australian comics artists]]
[[Category:Australian female comics artists]]
[[Category:Australian children's writers]]
[[Category:Australian children's book illustrators]]
[[Category:Australian Members of the Order of the British Empire]]
[[Category:Writers from Western Australia]]
[[Category:Writers from New South Wales]]
[[Category:Australian women children's book illustrators]]
[[Category:Australian women children's writers]]
[[Category:19th-century Australian women]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian women]]
[[Category:English emigrants to colonial Australia]]
[[Category:20th-century Australian artists]]