Sir John Tenniel (1820–1914) was a British illustrator, political cartoonist, and one of the most influential visual storytellers of the 19th century. He is best known for bringing the world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to life through his iconic black-and-white illustrations, which have defined how generations imagine the characters and scenes from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Tenniel’s work is celebrated for its precision, expressive characters, and imaginative compositions. His illustrations introduced the now-classic visual identities of Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, and the Cheshire Cat — interpretations that remain deeply embedded in popular culture to this day.

Beyond Wonderland, Tenniel had a distinguished career as the principal political cartoonist for Punch magazine for over 50 years. His sharp, symbolic illustrations shaped public opinion during a time of significant social and political change in Britain.

Knighted in 1893 by Queen Victoria for his contributions to art and illustration, Tenniel left behind a legacy that bridges fine art, literature, and visual storytelling. His work continues to inspire artists and creators worldwide, making him one of the most enduring illustrators in literary history.