An exhibition is opening in London next Wednesday displaying a selection of the work of the Georgian caricaturist, James Gillray, as well as work from a selection of modern day political cartoonists.
In the late 18th and early 19th century, Gillray was the bane of Napoleon, George III, prime minister William Pitt and the Prince Regent. This exhibition combines a selection of the best-known of Gillray’s original work, along with reworkings of these ‘after Gillray’by the pick of modern political cartoonists. These include The Guardian’s Steve Bell and Martin Rowson, Peter Brookes from The Times, Dave Brown from The Independent, the Telegraph’s Nicholas Garland, as well as Gillray’s biographer, the American cartoonist Draper Hill.
These later cartoons offer a contemporary twist to Gillray’s achievements as ‘the father of the political cartoon”, while also showing how his powerful images have continued to influence subsequent generations of artists.
The Guardian’s Steve Bell said: ‘Only the work of James Gillray inspires awe. Gillray can be seen as the first truly political cartoonist in the world.’
The Political Cartoon Gallery, 32 Store Street, London WC1E 7BS, is open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm and on Saturdays 11.30am to 5.30pm. Contact Dr Tim Benson on 020 7580 1114 for further details, or email him at info@politicalcartoon.co.uk.
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