Archie Gunn was a well known and popular illustrator, whose pictures where in leading periodicals. He was born in England and his father a member of the British Royal Academy. He first studied under his father in London.

For a time he designed costumes for Gilbert & Sullivan productions. He also achieved success as a portrait painter; one of his portraits of Disraeli hung on the walls of Queen Victoria's apartments.

After coming to America he worked as a magazine and newspaper illustrator. He also did several calendar paintings for the Gerlach Barklow Calendar Company.