As a Victorian artist, Cynicus created cartoons and those postcard designs for which he is most famous for. His two claims to fame are that he was foremost an outsider who took London by storm in the early 1880s with his satirical cartoons and later, in Tayport, as a successful designer of the very first humourous postcards. It was in Tayport, in 1902, that he started his own publishing company; the postcard craze had taken off (in 1902 alone, it was estimated that 420 million cards were posted in Britain).
Cynicus Publishing Company
(Presently the premises of 'Wings & Things' - previously McGills Furnishings).
Cynicus' company became one of the major employers in the town which, in turn, allowed him to purchase land in Balmullo. On this land he set about constructing a grand mansion house and landscaping beautiful grounds which he opened to the local public for their walks and picnics. The house became his haven for art and pieces of arcaeological interest that he brought in from all over the world; so adorned was it that the locals affectionately called it 'Cynicus Castle'.
1908 saw the beginning of the Depression years which engulfed the country and inevitably began to affect Martin's company and, ultimately, the people of Tayport. Postcards were classed as luxuries that were not needed so the decline in business continued until, in 1911, it faced financial ruin.
Cynicus and his sister, Annie, survived their final years at Castle Cynicus in abject poverty. Sadly, his company never fully regained its former prestige. So when, in the Spring of 1932, Cynicus died with no funds to pay for his funeral he was laid to rest in Tayport Old Church Yard where, to this day, his tomb lies unmarked.
After suffering from many years of neglect and ultimately vandalism his beloved Castle Cynicus eventually fell into disrepair and was finally demolished in 1939. A small part of Tayport's history vanished forever.
This book was researched and written by Flora Davidson and Elspeth Reid. Together they have pieced together the story of Martin Anderson (Cynicus) the Victorian Artist of precocious brilliance. They came upon the premises in Tayport where he employed disabled youngsters to hand colour his design -they also found his unmarked grave.
This fascinating book is highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in local history
For your copy tel: 01575 540402
13 Craig Road, Tayport, Fife DD6 9LA
Telephone: 01382 552 383 Mobile: 0771 993 1121
Email: cynicus@moraig.fsnet.co.uk