WE HAVE the TECHNOLOGY Your Gags Inside

! ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 ! AUTUMN 2005 The Jester

NOT ROCKET SCIENCE WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY Your gags inside

“Look dear, he’s burning his first illegal download to re-writable DVD.” TALKING UP THE MEETINGS / HEATED DEBATE TO GO LIVE HUMOUR IN TROUBLED TIMES / A QUESTION OF STYLE CARICATURIST GETS GREAT TIP / EMBARRASSING MOMENTS A CARTOON PICTURE OF BRITAIN? / PLUS REVIEWS & MORE The Newsletter of the Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK The Jester News Issue 376 - August 2005 the following Monday. Her trip, Published 11 times a year which will involve meeting up with by The Cartoonists’ Club local cartoonists, will then take in Brussels – where she will visit the of Great Britain Centre for Comic Strip Art – Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where she hopes to meet The CCGB Committee Marie Plotena and some other Chairman: Terry Christien women cartoonists. Sue will then 020–8892 3621 make her way to Hungary, Romania [email protected] and Bulgaria. Sue should reach Secretary: Richard Tomes Istanbul by August 29. From Turkey 0121–706 7652 she will go to Beirut where she will Ronald Searle be meeting up with the cartoonist [email protected] Stavro Jabra. Then it’s on to Egypt, Treasurer: Jill Kearney ‘not dead’ shock Italy, Spain and eventually France, 020–8590 8942 aiming for the St Just Cartoon RONALD SEARLE appeared on Festival at the end of September. Les Barton: 01895–236 732 BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs You can follow Sue’s adventures [email protected] last month in his first radio interview at www.ccgb.org.uk/toontrek/ in more than 30 years. toontrek-blog.html Her email Clive Collins: 01702–557 205 Sue Lawley travelled to Provence address while travelling will be [email protected] to meet the cartoonist, who has not [email protected] Neil Dishington: 020–8505 0134 lived in this country since 1961 and [email protected] admits that most people in Britain Ian Ellery: 01424–718 209 think he’s dead. He complained that Stone’s loans [email protected] the British like to pigeonhole people and he is always billed solely as “the IF ANY club members are looking Graham Fowell: 020–8590 8942 creator of St Trinian’s”. for a loan, Jed Stone is your man – [email protected] Interestingly, throughout the he being the lucky one in the “Win Pete Jacob: 01732 845 079 programme Searle was referred to as Your Subs Back” competition, Helen Martin: 01883–625 600 an artist, illustrator and “graphic organised by Mike Turner. The [email protected] satirist” – the word “cartoons” was mystery cartoons that had to be Roy Nixon: 01245–256 814 only mentioned in reference to his identified were by Alan Turner, Tony Jed Pascoe: 01767–682 882 work for Punch. Neat and Steve “Bestie” Best. The He spoke frankly of the trauma of draw took place at the July [email protected] being captured by the Japanese committee meeting. Thanks to all Roger Penwill: 01584–711 854 during the Second World War and who entered. There will be more [email protected] being held as a prisoner of war. chances to win your subs back in Derek Quint: 01984–632 592 Amazingly he kept drawing future issues of The Jester, so watch Jed Stone: 020–7720 1884 throughout his ordeal. this space. [email protected] Since moving to France he has concentrated on political, satirical Mike Turner: 01206–798 283 work. Now 85, he still regularly [email protected] works for The New Yorker and Le Jock Williams-Davies: Monde. His wartime work can 01473–422 917 been seen at the Imperial War [email protected] Museum in London. For more on Searle the castaway, go to: www. Jester Editor: bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/ desertislanddiscs.shtml Royston Robertson 01843–871 241 jester_magazine @yahoo.co.uk Toontrek update

Front cover: Tim Harries SUE BURLEIGH was due to set off Back cover: Alex Noel Watson on her Toontrek charity trip as this Keep ’em coming ... edition of The Jester went to press. She was due to leave on July 22 for Dublin before flying on to Paris on

2 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

Glynn gets a valuable tip The Chair JUST returned should your club promote its member- GLYNN EDWARDS had a taste of from a narrowboat ship to potential clients and if so, is the his own medicine at a party jaunt around the handbook the most effective way of caricaturist gig on July 1. excellent county of doing it? The handbook came under He was performing at a 60th Warwickshire to scrutiny on the website forum recently birthday bash at the Royal Institute of the fair city of and it was felt that potential clients British Architects HQ in London and Stratford upon might not be seeing the best of our after drawing the host of the party, he Avon and back – a hoot from start to abilities. We need to seek ways of was dragged over to meet and draw finish! You may remember that Gra- maintaining the highest standards of the artist David Hockney. ham Fowell put the event in The Jester cartoon work from our members and Fortunately for Glynn there was no way back in the spring before asking if look at a successor to the handbook as time to panic and he proceeded to any member was interested in we know it. sketch his hero who in turn whipped “boarding ship” in July. Well those This will also be discussed by all club out his pen and started to draw him who didn’t jump ship – Graham and members in September [see page 11]. back. “It was surreal,” said Glynn. Jill, Jock Williams Davies and wife Please come along and make your “There I was sketching Hockney who Trish, Jed Stone and yours truly – points of view known. was also drawing me.” survived 122 opening and closing Terry Christien locks to tell endless jokes and anec- dotes. Apparently, when you hurt that much laughing it’s good for the waist- line and your health. It needed to be as every day at regular intervals it seemed to be Fosters o’clock (or if you’re fussy, Stella o’clock). Many thanks to Graham and Jill for putting the trip together for us. Happy days! At the August meeting, we have David Lloyd and Steve Marchant giving a presentation on Cartoon Classroom, an online service to link cartoonists who run workshops. We look forward to it – be there, please! Your committee will be discussing what has become known as the “heated debate”. Which in essence is:

Glynn gave his finished drawing to Technological, er, titters ... Hockney who in turn handed over his own signed sketch of our artist MANY thanks to all (above), much to Glynn’s delight. those who sent in “It’s the best tip I’ve ever had,” said cartoons on a the Glynn. “But it wasn’t very subject of technology, flattering!” as requested last month. Some are gathered on page 17 with others MP3-hee hee scattered throughout the newsletter. COMICS and cartoons are now Next month’s theme available in a new medium: Apple’s is: “Now for a feast!”. iPod music player. A company called That’s food and drink Clickwheel has developed software cartoons, folks. Just (which costs around £15) to let trying to make it sound owners of the colour-screen MP3 more interesting. It’s player subscribe to digital comics. Gastronomic Gags, Isn’t technology brilliant? You didn’t basically. Culinary even know that you wanted to view Chuckles. Er ... Juicy comics on an iPod until now! Next Jokes ... [That’s enough month: movies on your microwave. zany wordplay – Ed]

3 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

4 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Dear Jester

But with the usual infighting. What is it about cartoonists? Wrong screens, wrong frames, catalogue not slick enough etc. I thought the work on show was excellent, some of the best of its type, (Bill Stott, Mike Williams, and our very own Clive Collins to the fore). Why don’t the suits buy cartoons? They buy cars, sofas, Dish runs away with himself suits etc. things that do not last five minutes, but they will not buy an REGARDING the July Meeting, I original cartoon. And yet they stand around laughing at them. “Don’t watch too much TV children hope most people enjoyed the talk – it’ll give you rectangular eyes.” by Hal Austin [Hal was invited by Anyway, again, we had a good Neil to speak on his career in time, except for Pete Dredge falling tabloid journalism – Ed]. My out of bed, and landing on my Finally, Fleet Street reporter Hal apologies to my fellow left-wing outstretched leg (plaster comes off Austin’s talk to the July meeting sympathisers, I always thought Hal next week). Well done, the lads in was most entertaining, in spite of was inclined to the Left. Perhaps I Liverpool. him not being able to shed light on should read the Daily Mail more ... Last thing: as the Olympics are to the Miss Whiplash mystery. er, perhaps I should read the Daily be in London and as I live pretty Mike Turner Mail once. near the venues … Ad: “Genuine Anyway I thought it was quite Victorian Cottage, 15 minutes from If you’re really keen Mike, I’m sure entertaining, as was the whole Olympic Stadium, for rent. Only Miss Whiplash is still in the phone evening. We try, we try. After the £15,000 a week, 2012.” book ... proceedings ended, one of my Who says the Olympic Spirit is invited guests, who is gay, shook dead? I agree with Mike that more my hand, and said, “What a butch Neil Dishington diversity is needed in The Jester. lot you are, Dish”. Image is all! But it seems that that those who do The Liverpool Cartoon Festival, not contribute via the website are part of the Comedy Festival ... Tier we go again also reluctant to contribute via nothing really to do with the club, traditional media. but it was a good do all the same. WHAT a cracking July edition with This letters page gets very few excellent strips from Tim Harries contributions, nothing like the and Clive Collins plus a rib- number of members that take part Letters can be sent to damaging diary via Simon Ellinas. in the forum. We know you’re out The Jester via email: Good on Ian Fair for having his there folks, so get writing. say on the “heated debate” issue, You can also now contribute to the [email protected] although he only saw the edited “heated debate” in person. See highlights transferred from the page 11 – Ed Letters can be sent by website. We now seem to have a two-tier club: those who use the post to: The Jester website forum and those who rely c/o Royston Robertson purely on The Jester for news and comment. 20 Upton Road, Broadstairs, The fact is that a small percentage Kent CT10 2AS of the membership use the site and they speak as individuals not as “the club”, but we never hear a dicky The deadline for letters and bird from the major part of the all other content for membership. The Jester is the 12th of Perhaps this shows they are every month happy with the way things are, paying subs is the most reliable Some letters may be edited yardstick, but it would be good to to ﬁt space requirements see more diverse opinions in The Jester or on the web.

5 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Website forum A question of style Royston Robertson: What doesn’t help, I find, is that clients often ask for Simon Ellinas: Engaged as I am in cartoons, and particularly illustrations, several interesting studio jobs at the to be drawn in a certain style that they moment, the mystery of one’s personal have in mind. “Can you do it in a less style arises. Am I alone in having the cartoony, more naive style?” one asked feeling that I am still searching for that me recently. I was tempted to pass the “perfect” style to suit my ability, per- job on to my three-year-old son. sonality and tools? I am still never sure if I am drawing SE: Yes, a very small job I had last cartoon people the right way (is three year involved drawing a dog for some- fingers really better than four?) and one going into the dog-minding busi- The CCGB website can be whether I spend long enough on a ness. My own style of dog was dis- found at: drawing or am I scared of overdoing it? missed and she asked for something www.ccgb.org.uk Where does one draw the line, so to “out of Walt Disney” So I copied one speak? of the 101 Dalmations pups, changed To access the forum, click I come from a background influenced, the angle and expression slightly, re- “Members’ Area” then “Enter believe it or not, by superhero comics moved the spots and had him holding a the Members’ Forum” and had the very interesting experience phone. She was delighted. I was not. of working for Marvel Comics UK. When posting messages on Yet, whenever I drew superhero-style Paul Hardman: I’ve grown too old to the forum, please be aware cartoons they never looked as serious worry any more about my own style. that some content may be as they should do. Now, whenever I The first years of full-time employ were in Soho hacking for, among oth- reprinted in The Jester draw a cartoon person I worry that they look too silly. I keep wondering when I ers, (the one-off) Tony Cuthbert. This will arrive at a style that I am com- was in the 1980s. He would frequently The forum sections are: pletely comfortable with. Is this a call me up as I had a studio just round The Cartoonist Pub common complaint? the corner from him. Advertisers al- Have a chat in the ways wanted work NOW and always Cartoonist private-members Noel Ford: Simon, Simon – you’ve in the style of –. bar about anything and been around long enough to answer It was exactly the same as the work everything your own question! As every cartoonist done in animation when you have to knows, cartoonists don’t acquire a work exactly to model in someone style, it’s the style that acquires the else’s style. So from these two back- Spittoon The place for cartoonist. And, of course, whilst we grounds – plus the book illustrations uploads: images, animations, love the styles of other cartoonists, we that cover everything from Disney, games, cuttings, links, etc are never happy with our own. Ever! Warner to textbooks – it’s small won- der that my own style is still elusive. Jester Archive Duncan Bourne: I have been told that The important thing is to enjoy the All Jesters will be after several pints I draw like Gerald practice of drawing and to still have downloadable here as soon Scarfe (without the talent). that kid inside you that gets excited by as they are published !" ! trying new styles and media out. NF: Is that after you have had several Site News and Information pints or after they have had several Terry Christien: I was once asked to draw like Bristow. While I’ve always News, announcements pints, Duncan? truly admired Frank Dickens’s humour, and questions from the Paul Houghton: When I was at his drawing sucks! And I think he administrators and school, about 13, a friend compli- would be open-minded enough to moderators of the website mented me on my drawing style. When agree with that. After all, he uses a I replied that I was never happy with Platignum Tempo felt pen so the line- Dont forget: from the anything I drew, obviously showing work doesn’t stand a chance! website home page you can wisdom well beyond his years, he sim- also access the Q&A Forum. ply replied that nearly all artists (even Heated debate revisited This is a public forum for if secretly) preferred the work of oth- asking questions and giving ers. I’m sure we’re all subject to this “Having read the edited highlights of answers about all aspects of effect to a greater or lesser degree. I’ve the ‘heated debate’, I was left in little cartoons and cartooning carried this memory around for years doubt as to the interests and intentions and it has helped to keep the overcriti- of the CCGB in the future. I would like cal demons at bay (well, a little bit). to invite Noel Ford to tell us who he

6 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK believes are the members who should cepted for display until it has passed should have to pass a selection com- never have been admitted…” the scrutiny of a selection committee. mittee. When it comes to any form of Ian Fair in the July Jester. Why then should not all CCGB advertising you pay your money and members be subject to editorial con- have your advert how you want it. Do Noel Ford: First Ian, I don’t see how trol – that’s something we all have to the Creative Review or other publica- you can understand “the interests and live with every day in our work rou- tions tell some people who want to intentions of the CCGB in the future”, tine, isn’t it? advertise with them that they can’t since only a very small percentage of because they don’t think the standard the membership took part in the Matt Buck: Deep respect to Clive of their work is good enough? No, “heated debate”. Secondly, I must Collins for a fine cartoon [Advice for good or bad they get included. decline your invitation. It would be Old Gits, see last month] but speak- Also, you say it would be unfair to very unfair to single out individual ing as a youngish old git, I would like mention and single out individual members when the criticism is not of to say, that somewhere between the members who you say should not them but of the selection process. two conflicting positions he neatly have been admitted originally – How do I judge what is and is not of parodies, there must lay a happyish surely this would happen when their publishable standard? Well, that’s a medium for the club. As long, of work was not allowed to appear in in very subjective thing, isn’t it? How- course, as its not overtly commercial the handbook, website or exhibition. ever, having survived in the business and doesn’t promote crap cartoons So what is the difference in doing it for over thirty years – and, I’m happy (mine included) to commercial buy- now? to say, working as hard as ever now – ers. It’s not what we are supposed to I think it reasonable to allow that I be for. NF: Actually, newspapers and maga- know enough about cartooning to be zines do regularly turn down paid-for able to express an opinion about the Steve Hearn: One point that seems to ads that are regarded as unsuitable for standard of the work. have gone missing in this electric publication. Be that as it may, this whole debate topic is the question of numbers at the stems from the problem of the club first Tuesday of each month. I think it MB: Stopping distributing the hand- being a social organisation which has was that question that spurred me on book beyond the membership list strayed into the commercial area of to share my thoughts in the first place. wouldn’t stop people having their cartooning in that the handbook is It is great to see Terry Christien cre- own page any damn way they like, distributed to potential clients. The ating a guest speaker for each meeting particularly if they are paying for it. trouble is that the handbook is uned- and with our fingers and toes crossed, But it would mean that the argument ited and, yes, I’ll say it again, the this could very well provide part of about quality would become irrele- standard of some of the work therein the answer to seeing more faces at the vant as the ending of a wider distri- is embarrassing to the majority of the meetings each month. Is Auntie Helen bution would stop tarring the club membership. It simply should not going to do a belly dance one month? name with the reputation of variable have been included and it sabotages quality. the whole purpose of circulating it. Mark Wood: Regarding the hand- Similar organisations to the CCGB book, as people had to pay to have a MW: Having an internal handbook hold exhibitions, but nothing is ac- page in it, I don’t see why their work would be a complete waste of time. Who on earth would pay to go in it? What would be the point of it?

Ian Ellery: I personally have hired people because of the work in the handbook. I have also passed on work when I have been too busy because of samples that I have seen in it. I have also had work passed to me because people liked my advertisements. And I find it very useful as a phone-book – however it does go out of date sooo quickly. I have not though, at any time been contacted by anyone out- side of the club who has seen my work in the handbook. Let’s kill the thing off. To replace it, I propose that every year we turn one issue of The Jester over to a members directory. Each member would provide a small piece of art, without cost, which would sit beside his/her contact details from the members database. All members that do not wish to have

7 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK a pic needn’t. Then just their contact historical record of what should details would appear. prove to be a fascinating journey.

Simon Ellinas: Ian’s idea is the best RP: I think you’ve a great idea there thing this discussion has produced. Pete – let’s start keeping a record of What better way to start the year? It all the good cartoons we see. could be the February issue which gives two months (there’s no January Nice work if you can get it Jester) to produce it. Following years would be a simple matter of updating. Simon Ellinas: Just when I thought I wasn’t going to get anywhere in this Pete Dredge: I may be wrong but career, the following golden opportu- when I first joined the club in 1976, I nity appeared in my inbox: don’t think there was a charge for an “I was wondering, if I sent you a insert in the yearbook (paid for out of picture, if you could do a caricature of annual subs). In those days I am sure me shagging a mattress. I have a it was for internal use only and was drawing a friend did if you’d like to not distributed externally so it looks see it as reference.” like we’re coming full circle. Looking for I’ve heard of men being dominated Incidentally, thanks to the yearbook by women they call “mistresses” but of a few years ago I did pick up some answers I’ve never heard of mattresses being work and seven years later it is still so employed. going strong (tempting fate, I know!) THOSE of you who don’t visit the club website very often, may Steve Bright: I used to fancy a The issues in the “heated debate” not know that we have a Slumberland deluxe, until I had a are to be discussed by all members at popular Q&A Forum there, brief encounter with one and it the September meeting. See page 11. aimed at helping both seasoned ejected me. Bit highly sprung, I pros and, in particular, reckon. Did you take the job, Simon? Olympic dream newcomers to cartooning. And if so, are you going to post it This is very much a public here (with the mattress brand name Simon Ellinas: Right! Now that we relations exercise for the club suitably obscured for anonymity)? have seven years’ notice, we have a and, to judge from the response chance to organise something sensa- of folks who have posed SE: No, I passed it on to Guy Carter tional for the London Olympics in questions there, it is working and Paul Baker as they probably have 2012! Something that will portray very well. What we really need, more experience than me in this field. and demonstrate cartoon art in all its though, is a few more of you guises for the masses and multitudes chipping in with some The Jester online that will be flocking to London from answers. Please try to visit the all over the world. This will be a Q&A Forum at least a couple of [The Jester is available to download chance to make London the world times a week and, where you as a PDF file on the Forum] capital of cartooning! feel you can contribute, get stuck in! Paul Hardman: Have now seen it Duncan Bourne: Oooh, a long Ironically, as I write this, the and think it’s great. Why can’t we deadline. forum is going through a quiet now have an option, as in FECO, period. However, there are where, we that can, receive and print Roger Penwill: It would be good to plenty of questions already out our own e-Jester? Wouldn’t it get potential venues in London inter- there which you may feel save a hell of a lot on unnecessary ested early, before they are snapped haven’t been answered fully so, printing and postage? up by the other arts. This may be the again, do feel free to contribute best opportunity to get an interna- a reply which reflects your own Noel Ford: That is a truly excellent tional contest going. experience. If you want to put suggestion, Paul, and one that something back into our shouldn’t upset anyone! Ian Ellery: What shall we make the wonderful business, this is one I hereby happily volunteer to re- theme? way to do it. ceive The Jester in downloadable Noel Ford format only. Any other takers? Matt Buck: The human need for Maybe we can save enough money drugs? to subsidise some other club activ- ity? Pete Dredge: The London Olympic pricking pomposity and dismantling story from now until 2012 will also spin as the story develops. Overseas Ian Ellery: No. Sorry. I am not tak- provide a glut of related cartoons in cartoonists will also have their par- ing my G5 into the bog to read The the national press and this would ticular view of developments and Jester! I’ll stick to the paper version demonstrate the cartoonists skill of this should provide a fascinating thanks very much!

8 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Notes from the North

I TORE up the notes I had written IN ANY event, let us hope that by for this month’s Jester, what with all the time this Jester is published we the momentous world events going have got back to some kind of nor- on, my cartooning activities seemed mality and can enjoy the things I’d so trivial. intended to write about in the first There were the massive Make place. I watched a TV programme Poverty History concerts in London, called Star Portraits, presented by Edinburgh and around the world and Rolf Harris (who else?). In it, three we had the G8 Summit in Scotland, portrait painters are selected to paint at Gleneagles, causing all sorts of a portrait of a well-known personal- chaos and disruption. ity who, at the end of the show, can take his or her choice to keep. The show I saw featured Richard “It was hardly the Wilson as the sitter. The three paint- the Chris Beetles gallery show of the ers duly set up their kit. One man late, great American caricaturist Al material for the and a lady had conventional easels, Hirschfeld, who died in 2003. the third man had a computer on For more than 80 years he had been which to “paint” the portrait. Rolf caricaturing the famous stars of jester’s pen, all found this intriguing and could not Hollywood and Broadway. Many wait to have a go. At the end I considered being drawn by Hirsch- those innocent wouldn’t have been surprised if Wil- feld second only to getting an Oscar. son had come out with his His drawing style was a strong, con- people being killed catchphrase “I don’t believe it!” as fident line, beautifully balanced by he viewed the works: a traditional sections of black. and maimed” portrait, a triptych by the lady that The exhibition runs until August 20 rather aged him, and a line image on (Chris Beetles, 8 &10 Ryder St, St the computer that made him look James’s, London). His work is also Then we had the excitement and at the V&A Theatre Museum in euphoria of the 2012 Olympic younger and had the look of a caricature. Will we see our on-the-spot Covent Garden (Hirschfeld’s Brits on Games being awarded to London, Broadway, until October 30) and at only to be shattered the next day by caricaturists abandon the felt pen and paper for a laptop in the future? the National Theatre on London’s the carnage in the city. South Bank (Hirschfeld’s Holly- It was hardly the material for the wood, until August 15). jester’s pen, all those innocent peo- CARRYING on the caricature ple being killed and maimed by a theme, I got hold of a catalogue for Bill Ritchie few ruthless killers. Of course these activities get us down, but we must rise up and defeat this unseen menace. I’m sure that during the Second World War, when the London Blitz was in full swing, creating even more havoc, the spirit of Londoners rose to the fore and the ordinary people kept going to final victory. Then, humour played a large part in keeping spirits up: the songs, the comedians, showbands, and shows such as Tommy Handley’s ITMA. Cartoonists too, played their part: the work of Low, Illingworth, Fougasse, Lee, Zec and Giles come to mind. So maybe, when the dust has settled, we can get our sense of humour back and direct it to playing our part in defeating terrorism. Maybe FECO could contribute with an international cartoon competition or exhibition.

9 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Speaking out at The Cartoonist

Mike Turner, who just wanted to Timetable Talks, more talks know about Miss Whiplash. and debates – it’s all At the next meeting, on August 2, Speakers may change, or be added, David Lloyd, the comic-book artist so keep an eye on future Jesters and happening at the behind V for Vendetta, and Steve Mar- the Website Forum for updates. monthly meetings chant, author of The Cartoonist’s Workshop, will be giving a brief pres- August: David Lloyd and Steve entation about Cartoon Classroom, a Marchant – “Cartoon Classroom” THE monthly CCGB meetings at The new website designed to act as a link Helen Martin – “Impressionism” Cartoonist pub have been given a between cartoonists who run work- September: “The Heated Debate ... boost with the introduction of infor- shops and the schools and other in- Live!” (see opposite page) mal, half-hour talks. They give the stitutions that hire them (see below). October: Simon Ellinas meeting a focal point and act as a “Aunty” Helen Martin will also be November: Andy Davey great ice-breaker. We’re starting to see giving a talk which she has billed as December: “Santa’s Surprise” more members attending and hope- “The Impact of the Impressionists”. January 2006: Les Barton fully this trend will continue. Presumably that’s Monet and Renoir, February: Neil Dishington The July meeting featured an enter- rather than Yarwood and Davro. March: Tim Harries taining talk on tabloid journalism by The September meeting should be – “Tim’s Welsh Rare Bits” Hal Austin, a former Daily Mail re- lively as that will see not a talk but a April: Paul Baker porter. Members asked questions on debate, on the “heated debate” issues – “Baker’s Dozen Caricaturists” the subject of journalistic scruples and that are flying around at the moment. May: Royston Robertson the decline of Fleet Street. Apart from See opposite page for details. June: Alex Noel Watson –“Memories of The New Yorker” Site to send us back to school Over to you ...

If you would like to do a talk, “IF I SEE that out again in do let The Jester or the committee class, I’ll have to confis- know. cate it!” – a familiar cry Though the list is full until next that some readers might June, you may be able to squeeze in remember from their alongside another speaker or take schooldays. the place of someone who bottles In years gone by, comics out! I know for a fact that the guy were seemingly as wel- who’s down for next May hasn’t a come in the classroom as clue what he’s going to talk about. an epidemic of nits. Hap- The talks are all informal, don’t pily, times have changed, have to be very long, and can be on and cartoonists are often whatever subject you think may paid very good money to visit pictures for money, or just for fun. interest other members – Ed. schools, libraries, galleries and col- It’s the brainchild of David Lloyd, leges to share their skills with an Steve Marchant, and Paul Gravett. adoring populace. All three have considerable experi- Until now, these visits have often ence in teaching the art and language been ad-hoc affairs, based only on the of cartoons, at the London Cartoon grapevine of recommendations from Centre, City University, the Cartoon interested parties. All that is about to Art Trust, and elsewhere. change with the advent of a website Registration is free, and it is hoped devoted to putting educational estab- that educational establishments lishments in touch with cartoonists across the UK will add their details, that are keen to share their skills in so that any cartoonist, and any workshops, regular classes, lectures, school, library, etc, in the country and exhibitions. will be able to link up via the website Cartoon Classroom – www. and bring cartoons into the class- cartoonclassroom.org – is a non- room. profit website that needs cartoonists For more information, visit the to register their interest in teaching a w e b s i t e , o r e m a i l i n f o @ “He’s in the other room, Mum, new generation how to draw funny cartoonclassroom.org rebooting the computer …”

10 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK THE HEATED DEBATE ... LIVE!

YOU’VE seen the website postings! You've seen the Jester comments! Now you can have YOUR say at an informal discussion based on the issues raised in the “heated debate”.

Who is or who isn’t a cartoonist? The handbook – trash or treasure? The club – social, commercial or both?

The debate on the debate will take place on Tuesday, September 6, at 7.30pm, at The Cartoonist pub. This is not a committee discussion, it’s open to ALL members.

So come along and put names to faces ... then argue with them! MIKE TURNER It’s YOUR chance to have YOUR say. Put the date in your diary: September 6, 7.30pm

11 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

ess of associating people and things first: “I’ve got no figure. I’m so flat- in a way others wouldn’t even chested my gynaecologist calls me consider.” Sir.” Ashton emphasises that it’s As we all know, this is precisely the always wise to knock yourself before same with cartoons; indeed, I have knocking others. always made the same point when I Jack Benny often made a victim of have given talks on cartooning on himself: “This violin I play is a both sides of the Atlantic. (“How do genuine Stradivarius. If it isn’t I’ve you get your ideas?” is a question been cheated out of five dollars.” Reviews which is invariably asked.) There’s an entertaining chapter on Ashton discusses and analyses dif- “Daffynitions and Riddles”: ferent types of humour, including “BRAGGART – One who blows his The Funny Thing puns, self-deprecating jokes and a knows in public” and “HULA form he calls “laughs by implica- DANCER – A shake in the grass.” About Writing tion” much favoured by Bob Hope: There is a market for riddles with “The trouble with flying Spanish cracker manufacturers and birthday Comedy Airlines is that when you turn up the card publishers. By Brad Ashton plane isn’t even built yet.” The audi- Other forms of wordplay are exem- ence has to work out what is being plified, and, in turning to comedy COMEDY writing is obviously a implied. routines, Ashton comments that good near relation of cartooning, and so Also examined are insult gags and comedy is often based on personal it’s not surprising that several car- satire – “personality gags” as Ashton experience. toonists, including members of our calls them; and he recalls the days in A “blackout” is a quick laugh, a club, have ventured into that area, the early Sixties when he was con- fleeting moment on screen very often with great success. tracted to write 33 gags each week similar to a cartoon gag, and a The present arid nature of the car- for BBC TV’s That Was The Week “quickie” is a bit longer, in fact a toon market in this country, coupled That Was. short sketch. Excellent examples are with the fact that both radio and tele- It is traditionally said that there are given, and, in describing sketches as vision are clearly desperate for funny only seven basic jokes. I have never miniature sitcoms, Ashton cites writers, might well prompt some of subscribed to this, and I was glad to offerings featuring Sid Caesar, Carol the current younger generation of see that Ashton claims to be able to Burnett, Russ Abbott, Jerry Lewis cartoonists to employ their wit in this list at least 68. He points out that and others. cause. probably the easiest gags to write are A long chapter is devoted to the This superb book by Brad Ashton, a those based on exaggeration: “The development of a TV sketch, again veteran of the business who has film I saw on TV was so smutty that with copious examples. The book written gags for many top comedi- even my shockproof watch stopped.” ends with a comic fusillade of “200 ans, will no doubt prove an invalu- Throughout the book Ashton devel- spare gags”. able guide. At the same time, it’s a ops his subject with a wealth of hugely entertaining read in its own detail and example, frequently spot- Alex Noel Watson right. As I went through it, I often lighting celebrated comedians and laughed out loud. their specialities. From the first chapter, “Thinking Joan Rivers, “queen of the insult This book can be bought at a Funny”, the connection with car- gag”, comes up with lines like “Joan discounted price of £10, including tooning is patent; indeed this section Collins is sex mad. Even Superglue post and packaging, direct from: includes a list of what could well be couldn’t keep her knees together.” Brad Ashton, 7 Abbotshall Ave, cartoon gags. Ashton writes: “The But he explains that she gets away Southgate, London N14 7JU. key word is ‘association’. A comedy with this because she’s always care- Mention that you are a member writer goes through the mental proc- ful to make jokes against herself of the CCGB.

12 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

liantly drawn and full of heart”. So Facial where does Mutts’ appeal lie and what has this book got to say on the Expressions subject? A Visual Reference for Artists I know when I first saw the strip in a by Mark Simon UK paper a few years ago, I didn’t immediately take to it. Ostensibly ALTHOUGH this book comes under about a friendship between a cat and the banner of art technique/photo dog, at first glance it seemed saccha- reference, it’s a great resource for rine and of another era compared to some cartoonists and humorous the strips alongside it, but my opinion illustrators. changed when I bought a collection of Fifty male and female models of strips and had a chance to get to know differing ages and ethnicity are pho- the characters, and to appreciate tographed in more than 3,000 facial McDonnell’s writing and deceptively poses, covering a vast range of moods simple drawing style. and emotions and from a variety of angles. Need a headshot of a middle- aged black woman tilting her head back 35 degrees and wearing a snorkel and chef’s hat? Not a problem! (Although if that picture is for your own personal pleasure then perhaps, yes, it is a problem.) There’s a wealth of material taking in everything from skull shape and muscle definition to couples kissing (careful!) and popular headgear. It McDonnell explains the peculiarities sounds bizarre but actually proves of the speech used in the strip: “As in useful if you’re looking for inspira- the tradition of the older comics, tion, on a deadline, or need to get Mooch [the cat] has his own way of proportions correct. As the author talking. This occurred shpontaneously. notes, these photos should never limit It started with his saying ‘Yesh’, then “Oh … we live in a top-of- your imagination, but can be used as a ‘Shmaybe’. Soon it got out of hand the-range trainer.” starting point on which to build char- and he was ‘shhhing’ all over the acters. Also included are about 150 place.” illustrations inspired by the photos, of Shades of Herriman’s Krazy Kat cer- varying quality. tainly, and what may have seemed Of course there are cartoonists with over cute to this cynical British young no need for this book, their styles git when I first read it, now actually don’t warrant it, but for those whose perfectly fitted the characters and style strays towards character design, artwork. I think Art Spiegelman has animation or caricature it’s a useful nailed why it’s successful: “It’s smart resource and at less than £10 (roughly without being pretentious and it’s the cost of a pickled egg in The Car- sweet without being cloying.” toonist) you won’t break the bank. What about the book itself? Well, it’s Excuse me, I’ve got a snorkel to really well put together, containing “I’m not sure the transformation finish drawing. more than 300 illustrations on glossy will suit you, to be honest. Isn’t Tim Harries paper and includes many of his strips, Catherine Zeta-Jones a brunette?” sketches and paintings as well as text by McDonnell that charts his career Mutts from jobbing illustrator to syndicated Reviews please The Comic Art of cartoonist, and discusses his influences Patrick McDonnell and his creative process. THE JESTER is always in need of If you’re already a fan, the book is reviews. They don’t have to be new THE comic strip Mutts by Patrick recommended. If you’re unfamiliar releases, just any cartoon book, or McDonnell first appeared in 1994 and with the strip I suggest searching out cartoon-related book (or film, radio is currently seen in more than 500 the collections instead. Mutts may or show etc.) that you would newspapers worldwide. Suffice to say may not be your cup of twee, and I recommend to your fellow it’s a popular strip, one that Charles certainly don’t think it’s “one of the cartoonists. They don’t need to be Schulz called “one of the best [strips] best [strips] of all time” but the man long, just 200-300 words or so. of all time” and Matt Groening de- from Newport, he still say Yesh! Usual address please ... scribes as “smart and funny, bril- Tim Harries 13 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

“LITTLE jazz” is becoming more apt as a title as some of the year’s so-called jazz festivals unfold to show less and less of the genuine article. In Italy, as reported in the national press, one such event has signed Elton John to top the bill. Oh dear! One of my previ- ously favourite Eng- lish jazz festivals, at CRUELLA THAN EVER XXXVI Marlborough, Wilt- shire, has just con- Dear Aunty Helen cluded its 2005 event I am writing to you to thank you for and I’m afraid that I your kind suggestions resolving the didn’t use my press problem of how to make my CCGB pass. The programme “credit card” work [see Jester Issue was overloaded with 373]. The results were truly fantas- African sounding tic. My confident appearance at the groups, Celtic folk, bank’s ATM with the axe I’d bor- traditional Middle rowed caused quite a stir. Eastern themes (from Unfortunately some “have a go saxman Gilad Atz- heroes”, bank staff and later police mon, mentioned again constables seemed to take offence at in the BBC jazz Zoot Sims this method of obtaining cash. awards, naturally!), This letter may well arrive a little country music fused late as I'm only allowed one letter with pop and a modicum of jazz quality and not because I have been form per week, but I’m glad to be from a group called the Honey Rid- commissioned to draw the cover for able to report that I now have secure ers, Japanese drummers, etc etc. the band’s next recording! Ronnie accommodation and three square However, some of the good old Scott’s, the Soho jazz club, boasts a meals a day. This means that I no boys of traditional jazz were listed, good international line-up for August longer have the pressing need for including Acker Bilk and Chris Bar- and the air conditioning is working ready cash. Problem solved! ber, but none of the international well! Many thanks again, “names” that have been sighted in Maynard Ferguson, well into vet- Skewer earlier years. eran status, leads his “Bop Nouveau” 0208677499HMP Brixton The fledgling Swindon Jazz Festi- opposite the Christian Brewer group val is in danger of overshadowing its (August 1 to 6), saxophonist Kenny Dear Thoroughly Skewed big local rival, having just presented Garrett, of Mercer Ellington band Always glad to hear that our some really good and genuine mod- fame, is working from August 8 to government is still providing all ern bands including organist Mike 13 and the fine pianist Monty Alex- expenses paid sabbaticals. Where Carr’s Quartet and the new Alan ander follows, for two weeks, from shall I send the cake? Barnes Quintet, which has been August 15 to 27. A.H. x highly praised in Jazz Journal for a The telephone number for reserva- recent CD that features new ar- tions is 020-7439 0747. Whether work or drug related, rangements of the music of Horace The caricature shown, Zoot Sims, mental, physical, emotional or Silver. has no connection with this month’s monetary, send your letters to The title is YEAH, on Specific Jazz ramblings except that it was drawn Aunty Helen. Email: SPECOO2, with the leader on alto for Ronnie Scott’s club magazine to [email protected] and soprano saxophones, Steve Wa- illustrate a double CD. terman, trumpet, John Donaldson, Pressure of real work dictates that Aunty Helen is on holiday in sunny piano, Dave Green, double bass, and this is the final jazz column for The Spain. See you all at The Cartoonist Steve Brown, drums. I mention this Jester. this month for a mind-stirring talk purely as a recommendation of Thank you and good night! on the impact of the Impressionists.

14 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

STEVE MARTIN once said “I’d immediately bring to mind some of make a lousy woman, I’d just sit and Pete Williams trenchant gags on the play with myself all day.” And this is ruining of Liverpool by town plan- how I feel about the pre-Raphaelites, ners. Wales is Gren Jones and Rog; only in my case it’d be, “I’d make a Nottingham is Pete Dredge and Neil lousy pre-Raphaelite, I’d just sit Bennett, and Bristol belonged to John Clive Collins around gloomily all day.” Paice and Ted Monaghan, and so on. Leaving aside for a moment the fact Sometimes the association with the brings me to the fact that, as you will that you never seem to hear of post- place was conveyed by a simple por- have read, Rolf is to paint the next Raphaelites, what was it that made trayal of a landmark. Official Portrait of HM The Queen. them so all-fired miserable? I ask Of course, cartoonists aren’t taken as This fact alone will carry him many because I recently went to a pre- seriously as painters. But I think car- more steps nearer gaining National Raphaelite show, and came away toonists are, in general, more likeable Treasure status, but here I cry “Woe!” feeling almost suicidal. All that dark, and clubbable than “proper artists”. yet again. If they can ask him to do it spurious spiritualism in the work I’m sure that Lucien Freud, Bryan – and bear in mind that Rolf Harris brought me to an extreme low. Organ and his kind are extremely used to compere a quiz show called Maybe it was the fact that all the good fun, and will stand their round Quick on the Draw, plus he’s been a girlfriends/wives of the artists were so with the best of them, but they cartoonist in his own right for many like big blokes in drag, clutching their wouldn’t be too high on my list of years now – then why can’t there be pomegranates, with square jaws and ideal companions at club meetings an Official Caricature of HM The broad shoulders – why, they could when it came to a rattling good time. Queen? have played rugby for England. It set Of course, such a series would It wouldn’t take many sittings, and me thinking about how miserable in probably be beneath the gravitas of a the old girl might find it quite re- general artists are. Some years back man such as Dimbleby, it would have freshing to have it done and dusted in I’d seen an exhibition of Venetian to be more a Man of the People, and an hour or so – without endless tire- artists who were even worse. They yes I do mean Rolf Harris. There is a some journeys to posh studios in the were never happier than when paint- snobbish view about Rolf that I don’t leafier parts of London – simply ing the martyrdom of Saint So-and- share, though he is rather like an old seated downstairs at The Cartoonist, So, and no doubt they’d meet up on uncle who turns up regularly at par- with a large glass of vino collapso the first Tuesday of each month at the ties and plays familiar tunes on the while graciously permitting the cari- Venetian Pretentious Artists’ Club and spoons. This is OK as far as it goes, caturist(s) reprint rights should the maunder on, over their communion but you do hope he isn’t going to be image ever be transferred to a postage wine and cheese, about which saint televised playing in a similar fashion stamp. they’d just painted on his or her way at the Albert Hall. All of which We need that higher profile, chums. to heaven. David Dimbleby hasn’t touched a great deal on the pre-Raphaelites in his A Picture of Britain TV series, maybe because they even depressed him, and perhaps he wasn’t up to searching out lakes where Ophelia was supposed to have been portrayed drowned (though she was painted in her bath). It’s been an enjoyable series though, on the whole, wandering through the countryside that has inspired countless artists over the years. I began to imagine a series called A Cartoon Picture of Britain where the cameras would visit parts of the country associated with, and sometimes portrayed by cartoonists. Walking past the offices of the White Star Line in Liverpool recently, I was taken back to the great Bill Tidy gag “Any news of the iceberg?” and any picture of Paddy’s Wigwam will

15 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

CARICATURES for birthday pres- nets – dontcha love ’em? Well not really, but beggars can’t be choosers. So I got one from this bloke who wanted a present for his brother. The usual thing, he gave me an outline of his character (“Er, he’s into mountain ’TWAS the summer of 1999. I’d biking.” Oh, the comic possibilities!) been drawing a daily strip for a and a slightly fuzzy family group South Wales paper for about a year snap. You know the sort of thing, it’s and on this particular day was usually accompanied by: “Actually, walking through town to deliver the he doesn’t look like that any more, latest batch to their offices. he’s ten years older, fatter, balder, While cutting through the shop- with a beard and an eye patch.” ping centre, I stopped briefly to Having worked out which person I place the artwork in some clear was supposed to be drawing I went plastic folders (thus ensuring their HIM: I meant the folders. Where to work on it. Caricatures don’t pristine condition before they were did you get the folders? really come that easily to me, being handed to the paper for mangling). ME: Oh. (Embarrassing pause) ... more of a gag cartoonist, so they Just as I’d put the strips into the Stationery Box. take a bit of time. Once I’d got a folders, I noticed a gentleman HIM: Cheers. likeness I emailed it to him. peering inquisitively over my “It’s great!” he enthused. “There’s shoulder. To be fair, they were nice folders. I only one problem: you’ve drawn me.” walked away a sadder but wiser man. Sure enough, while trying to work ME: Can I help you? Tim Harries out who was who I neglected to turn HIM: Hey, where’d you get those, over the photo where it was spelt they’re great! DO ANY other readers have any out for any idiot to see (except this ME: Why thank you, you’re very embarrassing moments in one). Still, a client who gets a free kind! I drew them myself, would cartooning? ’Course you do! caricature is a happy customer. you like to see some mo- … Usual address please ... Royston Robertson

Simon Ellinas’s Diary

HA! Simon here! AKA Blazerman! Ha! I’ve even written a poem about myself:

“Blazerman, Blazer-man, He can do What a Blazer can …”

I wrote it for the BBC, and it was forty pages long, but they edited it zine (you must remember down. Never mind, eh? it, surely?) was called Ha! That’s what the life of an Because I edited myself eminent and prolific down from Hahahahaha! cartoonist-cum-poet is all Well, it was a bit silly, about. wasn’t it? Ha! Well, as a Although I shouldn’t say dedicated and full-time “cum” really, should I, in comedic personality, I’ve The Jester, or Royston got so much to offer I will edit it out! Ha! I sup- suppose I would have to pose that’s what life’s like be edited [That’s enough as a stand-up comedian editing – Ed.] and poet! You just get edited down to nothing! As told to Ha! Even my own maga- Jed Pascoe “Should’ve bought some binoculars too …”

16 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

“Goodness knows where all this technology is going to end up.” At the end of the day, tap out a cliché The appliance of science ...

“So THAT’S how you ‘burn’ a CD-Rom ...”

17 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Welcome to new members Alexander Matthews Alex, a former teacher, is 29 and has 3 Coleridge Road been published in The Guardian, Viz, Crouch End Ape Magazine, Neon and CSSA London N8 8EH Magazine. Tel: 0787-942 6395 His cartoons appear every week on Email: alexander.matthews Teachers’ TV News, a satellite TV @btinternet.com programme, as part of a featured Website: www.brokeneck.co.uk news item. (coming soon)

Published in The Guardian and featured on Teachers’ TV News

From The Sunday Telegraph

18 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

GRUMPY A ^word from THE DEADLINE the Editor IS THE 12th OF

WHEN I took on the editorship of EVERY MONTH The Jester a few months back, I must admit I was a bit worried that it might be a thankless task. But I was wrong. I seem to get lots of thanks and appreciation for the new-look Jester – on the website forum, by post and in person at the club. The a contradiction in terms. But I would problem is that this praise, have thought that the act of joining appreciated though it is, rarely turns the CCGB in the first place means into contributions for the magazine! that you are joiners, to some extent Contributions via email: I spent more time than I would at least. You have joined a club that [email protected] have liked during the course of this would have someone like you as a issue asking individuals to contribute member, to mangle the words of Contributions via post: and even extending the deadline so I Groucho Marx. The Jester Anyway, I’m going to be very busy could leave a desperate plea for c/o Royston Robertson in August with another project: the content on the website. 20 Upton Road I realise, of course, that this is a arrival of a new child. The time usually devoted to chasing up Broadstairs perennial problem with the club. Kent CT10 2AS Clive Collins mentioned at the July cartoonists will be spent instead on Tel: 01843-871 241 meeting that cartoonists “aren’t changing nappies. So get those joiners”. There’s clearly some truth cartoons, articles and letters in folks to this. The cartoonist is, by nature, a or the next issue will be a pamphlet! All articles and cartoons solitary type who is quite happy in Still, it would save the club money welcomed (especially for the his or her own little world and on postage, so I’d get thanks from front and back covers). doesn’t feel the need to toe anyone the Treasurer if no one else ... else’s line. The very nature of the Please note: The Jester is phrase “cartoonists’ club” is a bit of Royston Robertson now produced entirely to a regular template so send images and text rather than complete pages. Email submissions are preferred, as then images and text do not need to be scanned. But Luddite submissions are still accepted! When sending images by email, send as a jpeg at a resolution of 300dpi. If you send artwork in the post that you want back, please include an SAE.

Reminder: the next two club meetings are August 2 “A one-gigabyte limit? How much pornography is that exactly?” (with talks by David Lloyd and Helen Martin) and Membership enquiries to: Richard Tomes (Secretary), September 6 (The Heated 29 Ulverley Crescent, Olton, Solihull, West Midlands B92 8BJ. Tel: 0121-706 7652 Email: [email protected] Debate Ð Live!) at Subscription enquiries to: Jill Kearney (Treasurer), 18 Cliff Drive, The Cartoonist pub. Radcliffe-on-Trent, Notts NG12 1AX. Tel: 020-8590 8942 Committee: 5.30pm Website enquiries to: Ian Ellery, 25 Nelson Road, Hastings TN34 BRX. Tel: 01424-718 209. Email: [email protected] Members: 7pm

19 THE JESTER ISSUE 376 – AUGUST 2005 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

“So I have to go and bring the cartoon editor here ...?”