Margaret Mary Tempest (1892-1982) was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, where she lived most of her life. She attended the Westminster School from 1914 and was co-founder of the Chelsea Illustrators Club through which former students exhibited and sold their art. From 1929  until the 1960's she illustrated Alison Uttley's Little Grey Rabbit books, as well as other children's books. She also wrote and illustrated her own books of the 'dressed animal' type, notably the Curly Cobbler series.