After training as an RAF pilot Peter Brookes attended, and taught at, the Central School of Art in London. He became a political cartoonist and illustrator for The Times in 1982 and was a cover artist for The Spectator from 1986 until 1998. In addition Brookes has contributed to the New Statesman, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and the Times Literary Supplement. Brookes is well known for his Nature Notes series in The Times.