! ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006! AUTUMN 2005 The Jester

WE PLOUGH ON

“There’s this cartoonist … he’s selling hundreds and hundreds of cartoons … he can’t stop … everything he draws turns to gold …” YOUR MOVIE CARTOONS / NEW VENUE FOR MAY MEET LOUVIERS FESTIVAL / AGM PICS / HOW TO CARTOON SAFELY ROGER MAHONEY INTERVIEW / BAKER ON FLUCK AND LAW MORE WULLIE / SUBS STILL DUE! / PLUS NEWS AND REVIEWS

The Newsletter of the Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

The Jester Issue 385 - May 2006 The Chair Published 11 times a year by The Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain DEAR Members, I trust spring has scene about The Cartoonist pub, the sprung in your studios and you’ve meeting place of the CCGB. The The CCGB Committee turned off the fan heaters and thrown article says, and I quote, “it’s only Chairman: Terry Christien open the doors to embrace a new really worth going to if a meeting is 020–8892 3621 season – no kidding, why not? on, there’s not much else to do there”. [email protected] As I write, I’ve just returned from a It seems the management of The cartoon festival in France where five Cartoonist took exception to this Secretary: Jed Stone of us Brits – Simon Ellinas, John comment. 020–7720 1884 Landers, Guy Carter, Alex Noel Wat- It is a fact that apart from a “gallery” [email protected] son and me – Eurostarred it to Lou- of the club’s cartoons festooning the Treasurer: Anne Boyd viers, southwest of Paris. Such good pub’s walls, there is no other cartoon- 020–7720 1884 hospitality was extended by those related activity there apart from the crazy French cartoonists. We had a club’s monthly meeting in the down- Les Barton: 01895–236 732 ball for a long weekend and didn’t stairs function room, whereas all the have to put our hands in our pockets other cartoon venues mentioned [email protected] once. Now that’s what I call sponsor- definitely do have cartoon-related Clive Collins: 01702–557 205 ship! (see page 9) activities. Tim was perfectly entitled [email protected] Some things to keep your shell-like to make this observation in what is a Neil Dishington: 020–8505 0134 pinned back for: the members’ exhi- closed-membership newsletter (i.e. [email protected] bition in Ipswich in June (see page 3) not for public consumption) and we Ian Ellery: 01424–718 209 where we will have a club stall for the always point out that the opinions [email protected] selling of members’ goodies (books, expressed herein are those of the re- cards, originals etc). Jock Davies will spective authors etc. (see back page). Graham Fowell: 020–8590 8942 keep us in touch; and the Stratford If anyone knows of any other car- [email protected] Shakesperience organised by Richard toon activity that happens at The Pete Jacob: 01732 845 079 Tomes (see page 4). Cartoonist pub, please let us know. Jill Kearney: 020–8590 8942 It seems attendees at last month’s For the next meeting, we’ll see you [email protected] AGM were in favour of meeting talks at The Plough, Little Russell Street, Helen Martin: 01883–625 600 every other month. Twenty minutes to London WC1A 2HH, in the upstairs half an hour on any interesting subject function room, on the first Tuesday, [email protected] would go down superbly well. The May 2, same time (see page 11). Roy Nixon: 01245–256 814 May meeting will bring us the dulcet Make an afternoon of it if you want, Jed Pascoe: 01767–682 882 tones of our esteemed Jester Ed, and check out London’s other cartoon [email protected] Royston Robertson. (New member places! Be productive, Derek Quint: 01984–632 592 Steve Willis has also stepped forward Terry Christien Richard Tomes: 0121–706 7652 to do a talk. See page 7 – Ed). [email protected] Those who know fellow member Jack Pennington, talented cartoonist Mike Turner: 01206–798 283 and jazz fanatic of this club, who is [email protected] currently in hospital, will be thinking Jock Williams-Davies: of him and his wife Pip and would I 01473–422 917 know, want to wish Jack well. [email protected] Also, a reminder about the Members’ Directory, which is due out at the beginning of next year (see Jester Editor: page 5). Make a note to send in your Royston Robertson details and artwork please – it’ll be 01843–871 241 thoroughly worthwhile and something jester_magazine @yahoo.co.uk very positive that your club is doing for you! Front cover: Terry Bave THERE was an observation made on Back cover: page eight of April’s Jester, in Tim Harries piece on London’s cartoon

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gathering next year within the Ip-art fortnight, with a little help from those who are at present involved in News other such events. The feedback that I’ve had so far is very promising. Subs still due The annual CCGB subscriptions were due on April 1. If you have not yet paid, please send your cheque for £35 (payable to CCGB) to the Treasurer, Anne Boyd, at: 7 Gambetta Street, Battersea, London SW8 3TS. Mars attracts The exhibition Mars in their Eyes is running at the Cartoon Museum May meeting until July 1. It tells the story of Please note that the May 2 club Mars exploration and scientific meeting will be held at The Plough discovery, as seen by cartoonists, “Quiz”, he drew 150 celebrity cari- pub in Bloomsbury, NOT at The and features cartoons from around catures for Saturday Review. This Cartoonist. For more, see page 11 the world. It is hosted in conjunc- exhibition consists of half of these tion with Professor Colin Pillinger featuring caricatures of politicians and sponsored by PPARC and the such as Neville Chamberlain The Friday meet Open University. Opening times: (below, left), as well as artists and Don’t forget also that an informal Tuesday – Saturday 10.30 - 5.30pm; actors. The gallery is at 32 Store CCGB Friday meeting has been Sun 12pm - 5.30pm. Entrance £3. Street, London. It is open Monday arranged for June 16, at Ye Olde The museum is at 35 Little Russel to Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm and on Cheshire Cheese, Fleet Street, Street, London. Tel 020-7580 8155. Saturdays between 11.30am – London, from 7pm. See you there. 5.30pm. Phone 020-7580 1114 Quiz on show CCGB at Ipswich An exhibition entitled Quiz Show! Get Fizzical The Caricatures of Powys Evans The Fizzers caricature exhibition at Arts Festival (1899 – 1981) is at the the Scottish National Portrait From Jock Williams-Davies: For Political Cartoon Gallery from May Gallery, mentioned by Bill Ritchie the past four years Ipswich has held 24 to July 18. Evans’ best work, in last month’s Jester, is proving a yearly arts festival called Ip-art – which he did between 1922 and popular. Club member Jim Towle two weeks of art in all its forms 1925, has only recently come to writes: “Great exhibition – worth a throughout the town, on the streets light and will be on display for the visit if only to see your own and indoors. This year it will show first time. Under the pseudonym of computerised portrait in the ‘Alter the Cartoonist Club’s exhibition in Ego’ booth.” The exhibition runs the Town Hall for the best part of a until July 2. Call 0131-473 2000 week, staying open until 8pm. Apart from the exhibition, I have have taken a stall which will be Free comics presented under the CCGB name at The comic book industry is holding the Street Fair, which will be on a worldwide Free Comic Book Day Sunday 25 June from 10am to 5pm, on May 6. For a list of participating previous to the exhibition on June shops, go to freecomicbook 27. If anyone wishes to come for day.com and click “Store Locator”. the day or wants me to put their stuff on the stall for sale, get in touch and I will be happy to oblige. Shrewsbury Telephone 01473-422 917 or mobile The Shrewsbury Cartoon Festival 07732-571 100, or email me at: was getting under way as The Jester [email protected] went to press. Around 40 cartoon- It is also my intention to generate ists were invited to participate, with some interest both from my local exhibitions, talks and workshops. town council officials and from The exhibitions run until May 8. other cartoonists in a bid to get a See the next Jester for a full report.

3 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK The Shakesperience of a lifetime All welcome at Stratford 2006!

COME along to sunny Stratford-upon-Avon from Friday 11 August till Sunday 13, or Monday 14 ... or however long you like! Just like last time, those interested in coming along should let me know (as soon as possible) and I will send you a brochure of lots and lots of B&Bs and hotels to choose from, covering a wide range of sizes and prices. Then it’s up to you to organise your accommodation. This is essentially a Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain convention. It is a purely social event for the club’s members, their families and their friends. All are welcome – the more the merrier. Stratford is fab and is slap-bang in the middle of England, so I don’t want to hear any North/ South arguments (except from the Scots who are allowed). There’s plenty to see and do in Stratford (when not in the pub). There are the theatres, the world’s best row of restaurants in Sheep Street, and the shopping is simply fabulous, dahling. Then there’s the town itself, the you brochure as soon as possible. It’s a very popular town surrounding countryside and historic locations. especially in summer, so do book early. We had a very good meet-up plan last time, so we’ll do it Call Richard Tomes on 0121-706 7652 or email again. We meet up at the good old Windmill Pub at 7pm [email protected] for your brochure or with any on Friday evening and then meet there at noon on the questions you have. remaining days. Again, please let me know and I’ll get Richard Tomes

The Paranoid Cartoonist – Andy Vine

4 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Dear CCGB Jester Members’

Turner’s round-up Directory

Good Jester last month with cracking pages from Ian Baker, – DONT Lawrence Goldsmith and a great Postal address: The Jester double map ‘n’ info page from Tim c/o Royston Robertson Harries. And the other regulars too, FORGET! of course, and a welcome return of 20 Upton Road, Broadstairs, Simon “Inkwell” Ellinas. Kent CT10 2AS THANKS to all who have Another AGM rolls by and we have Email: jester_magazine sent in entries for the CCGB a new secretary and treasurer. Members’ Directory – but we Many thanks to the outgoing Rich @yahoo.co.uk know there are lots more of you and Jill and welcome to Jed and out there! All you have to do is Anne. Thanks too, to Terry for his a heart bypass op. Here’s to the send the following details, chairmanship and to Roger, who is preferably by email, or by post stepping down from the committee. upcoming year. See you at The Plough. if that’s not possible: Rare spottings at the AGM included Your name Lance Sucharov and Ed McHenry. Mike Turner Address Best wishes to member Jack Pennington, in hospital, and to Lookalike Telephone number Tom Power, landlord of The and, if you have them ... Cartoonist, who is recuperating after Dear Sir, whilst attending the recent Mobile number CCGBAGM (try saying that after a Email address few pints of Kronenbourg) I noticed a Website address startling resemblance between two veteran club members and Waldorf Please also send a small piece of and Stadtler, those grumpy old men artwork. It must be roughly from The Muppet Show. Are they by square, fit a single column and any chance related? I think we should must not need a separate caption. be told. The directory will be printed in the same format as The Jester Left: Derek Quint and Les Barton. and will appear in January. Below: Waldorf and Stadtler Unlike the old handbook, it’s FREE!

To submit via email: [email protected]

To submit via post: The Jester c/o Royston Robertson 20 Upton Road Broadstairs Kent CT10 2AS

Y The deadline is November 12. If you do not submit your details, those on the existing database will be used – right or wrong. Your entry will not include artwork.

AGE: IAN ELLER So why not do it now, while you remember? MONT

5 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Website forum

Simon Ellinas: I might be getting a all into focus. Another tip is to think of commission to paint “cartoon arche- coloured key lines, as black often looks types” on to two walls of a restaurant. I too harsh in big scale. You might want wonder if anyone here has done murals to try them without any keys at all. and what sort of materials they used? Steve Bright: It may seem obvious, Paul Hardman: Yep, I used wall but it’s a lesson I learned the hard way emulsion and so does a mural specialist … I used the method Paul describes on friend. Acrylics can easily bubble and my first large-scale attempt, thankfully peel off. One worthwhile tip: go down for my own kids and not any clients. I to a local DIY store that does a vast wanted to finish it with very dark The CCGB website can be range of Dulux tester pots. Buy only keylines and used my drawing ink, found at: the pots of the colours you want. You which did the job beautifully, smoothly can always go back for more if you run and evenly. Looked great, and the kids www.ccgb.org.uk out but you will look a complete arse if loved it. However, what they loved To access the forum, click you buy dozens of quart cans that even more was the effect they found “Members’ Area” then “Enter you’ll never see the end of. They’ll eat they could get by wetting their fingers the Members’ Forum” up all of your fee as well! Second tip is and smudging the black ink lines. By to slap the whole area with a good the time I discovered that THEY had When posting messages on opaque coat of white first. This will not discovered this, the entire thing looked only prepare the surface but will help like an inked page that had been the forum, please be aware to back illuminate your colours and rubbed of its pencil lines before it was that some content may be give them a true hue. dry. It took about 17 thick layers of reprinted in The Jester Everyone has their own method of white to restore the blank “canvas” working but if you want to get the cari- again ... I was young! The forum sections are: catures right beforehand, then do a The Cartoonist Pub large finished drawing on a sheet of the Royston Robertson: Steve, you’re in Have a chat in the same ratio as the wall and grid it. You good company. I watched a documen- Cartoonist private-members can then upsize the grid to your wall tary on The Last Supper the other day, using pins and twine rubbed with blue and I never knew that the reason it’s in bar about anything and or brown chalk (this you draw tight at such appalling condition is that Leon- everything perpendiculars and pluck to leave a ardo used the wrong paints! And he put neat line that can be easily rubbed or some kind of sealant (Ronseal per- Spittoon The place for painted out later ) as a guide for trans- haps?) on the wall beforehand, which uploads: images, animations, ference. This way you know your meant that the wall was unable to games, cuttings, links, etc compo is going to work and the like- “breathe”, hence the flaking paint nesses are going to be accurate. Block caused by damp. Apparently the Great Jester Archive in the colour first and end with the key Master had never really studied the All Jesters will be line which you can then control and technical aspects of painting on walls. downloadable here as soon use to tidy any rough edges and bring it Oops. as they are published 

Site News and Information News, announcements and questions from the administrators and moderators of the website

Dont forget: from the website home page you can also access the Q&A Forum. This is a public forum for asking questions and giving answers about all aspects of cartoons and cartooning

“You feel like you’re actually AT the cinema with this model.” 6 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

Chairman Terry presents Richard with a very useful gong; Jill looks determined not to do a Gwyneth Paltrow ‘You can’t have too many ashtrays’

THIS month’s headline comes courtesy of Richard Tomes, as Forthcoming it was his pithy response to being presented with a silver talks and events platter type-thing at the AGM, for four year’s loyal service on May: Jester Ed Royston the CCGB committee. Jill Kearney and Richard Robertson will be giving a talk on were given the engraved his glittering career in journalism. gongs as they stepped down Don’t worry, it’s just a bit of a from the posts of Secretary laugh. With a career path from (including several years as The Times to The Jester, how The lesser-spotted Ed McHenry, left, with Jester Editor) and Treasurer could it be anything else? Clive Collins and Jock Davies respectively. Both had held the June: Alex Noel Watson posts for four years. “Memories of The New Yorker” There was no speaker at the July: New member and former meeting, so members had ad man Steve Willis on cartoons plenty of time to catch up. in advertising Don’t forget though that there’s a change of scene for the next meeting: The Plough The general feeling among pub, next to the Cartoon members is that in future talks Museum (see page 11) should feature at every other Royston Robertson meeting, so we still have some purely social nights. Who ate all the buffet? Royston Robertson Many thanks to Jock and Trish If you would like to do a talk, a with Ian Ellery and Steve Willis for the photographs turn, host a quiz Ð whatever you like Ð or invite a non-member to speak, let the Jester or the committee know. All talks are informal, don’t have to be very long, and can be on any subject you think may interest members

REMEMBER: the next CCGB meeting is on May 2, at 7pm, at The Plough, Little Russell Wine, women and nosh. Les Barton with Matt Buck, left, and John Street (see page 11) Neil Dishington and Trish Davies Roberts share a joke 7 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

working on Pearls. Wary of more artwork gets more and more assured, rejection and fearful that this was his his jokes get funnier, and despite a last hope at cartooning, he shelved the penchant for unusually dark themes in strip for 18 months, deciding that a mainstream comic (death is a “you can’t fail if you don’t try”. popular subject) he always leaves a Circumstances led him to eventually grin on your face. mail out the strip and much to his This particular treasury collection amazement, within two weeks United contains around 450 black and white Review Feature Syndicate got in touch and strips reprinted at a decent size and a Pearls had a home. The strip spent large number of full-colour Sunday Pears Before time as a “web exclusive”, available strips with many featuring notes from to read online only, and gained a good the artist. There’s also an introduction Swine following, but it was one of Pastis’ by Pastis detailing the history of the Sgt. Piggy’s Lonely Hearts cartooning influences – the afore- strip (from which I’ve unashamedly Club Book mentioned Scott Adams – that gave it cobbled together the previous info – by Stephan Pastis another push, championing the strip wonder if he still practices law? ) THIS treasury collection gathers to- to his fans in his widely read news- Together with Get Fuzzy (by Pastis’ gether strips from the first two Pearls letter. Interest rose and Pearls de- good friend Darby Conley), it’s one Before Swine books, and it’s easy to buted in papers on 31 December of the best new strips available. see why despite only being in syndi- 2001. Get yourself a copy. you won’t be cation for a few years, it’s gained a There are currently four collections disappointed. large fan-base in the States and available, and they are all well worth Tim Harries around the world, winning the NCS a purchase – as Pastis’ writing and Comic Strip of the Year award. Taking his cue from Scott Adams, creator of the hugely popular Dilbert, Stephan Pastis concentrates on the writing, acknowledging his artistic abilities and not worrying about any- thing other than being funny. As often happens in these cases, the more you read Pearls, the more obviously the artwork suits the tone and humour of the strip perfectly, in fact, it would be hard to imagine the strip working as well with any other artist. Pearls had an interesting journey to the papers – it was Pastis’ fourth or fifth attempt at syndication. The previous strips had gained positive comments but no takers, so Pastis continued his job at a law firm while

Name the cartoonist. Answer: page 18 My first is in JEST and also in JOKE My second’s in PERSON and also in BLOKE My third’s in HONEY but not in SWEET My fourth’s in NIGHTINGALE but not in TWEET My fifth is in LOAN but not in CASH My sixth’s not in DO but only in BASH My seventh’s not in TITLE, only in NAME My eighth’s not in WOMAN, only in DAME My ninth’s twice in EVER and once in AFTER My tenth’s not in BEAM, but twice in RAFTER My eleventh is in SMILE but not in CHEER My whole’s a humorist who won't say no to beer! “I remember when this was all videos.”

8 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Olympic laughs in Louviers Simon Ellinas tries not to let prize-winning success go to his head at the French festival

LOUVIERS is a sparkling little gem of a festival that attracts thousands of visitors from all around the Ile de France. The attending cartoonists – 44 took part – were a quieter bunch than in previous years, partly due to the ab- sence of Xavier Dauga, the basque foghorn who normally acts as MC. The other reason it was a little less buoyant was that organiser Daniel Chabouis seemed to be ailing. He was certainly not his usual exuberant self. However, none of this was going to stop us Brits enjoying ourselves. Our travel agent started thing off nicely by issuing us the wrong tickets (which we only noticed at Waterloo). A hasty bargain was broached with the ticket Simon Ellinas, flanked by John Landers, Alex Noel Watson, Guy Carter and officer who let us catch a later train Terry Christien, proudly displays the trophy presented to the Brits by for £50 each instead of the threatened festival organiser Daniel Chabouis. Who said the French are bad losers? £149.50. With plenty of food and wine and emotional reunions with friends from previous years it only seemed to cap things when I was awarded Le Prix De La Municipalité for a cartoon hastily drawn on the spot for BBC News 24, last May, depicting L’En- tente Cordiale. It’s the first time any of my work has won an award, but I am already preparing lectures and workshops for my forthcoming na- tional tour. And, not only that, but the Brit team was awarded a home made prize consisting of the Olympic rings mounted on a rude hand. Ah, these French and their sense of humour, eh? The entire shebang was won by promising young caricaturist Patrice Lentin who wowed them all with his distorted pencil and conté caricatures. In fact the queues to his stall snaked Clockwise from past ours, so we had a very busy time above: Simon with being his caricature warm-up acts. It’s Le Prix De La a bit of a misnomer of a prize though, Municipalité and his because what it involves is going back winning cartoon on to Louviers the following year for a the Entente whole week to draw people in cafés Cordiale; the and restaurants and generally publi- festival’s splendidly cise the festival. AND you have to produced catalogue design that year’s catalogue cover. All with two pages for for nothing but the honour. every cartoonist; Every year, I say never again. But and Patrice Lentin, then nostalgia creeps in about a week the winner of this later. I’m looking forward to next year year’s Prix du already. Public, in action

9 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Baker’s Dozen In the sixth part of his series profiling 13 of his favourite caricaturists, Paul Baker looks at the 3D work of satirists Fluck and Law

CONSIDERING the influence Dau- Plasticine models to be photographed one time a bucket of entrails from the mier’s clay caricature busts had made and used to illustrate magazine arti- local butchers. They were then lit and on the development of portrait- cles. In the early 1970s he began to get photographed for the commissions – charge, very few caricaturists subse- inundated with work and called on frequently from Law’s old department at quently took up this style. In France, Fluck to help out. They eventually set The Sunday Times, but also many other Jean-Pierre Dantan was really the only up “Luck and Flaw” in an abandoned publications at home such as Private one at the time, though Carlo Pelle- Temperance chapel in Cambridge. Eye, and abroad in Europe and the USA. grini “APE”, an Italian working in They were both setting off on some- Working in 3D presented many prob- Britain, did dabble (a wonderful ex- thing of a learning curve and much of lems as did Law’s ambitious ideas. It fell ample can be seen in the National that learning was to do with the physi- to the ever inventive Fluck to work out Portrait Gallery). It wasn’t really until ognomy of the face. Initially the heads how to make these crazy notions hap- the 1960s that the satire boom gave a were made of Plasticine and the fea- pen. Together they were able to stretch couple of jobbing caricaturists from tures were very basic. However, once the caricature busts into full bodies and Cambridge the boost to give it a new they had grasped the structure of the different scenarios, occasionally having life – and their caricatures would muscles that control facial expression, a violent or sexual nature – or both. eventually come to life! the style was to become their own. They also ventured into book illustration Peter Fluck and Roger Law were Daumier’s busts had really just con- and to swell the coffers of the company born in 1941 and attended Cambridge centrated on likeness, but Fluck and they also created collectable ceramics of Art school. One of their tutors was Law’s technique was to develop this Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan Paul Hogarth (ironically a descendant further with screwed-up faces, teapots, and egg cups of Charles and Di. of the great William Hogarth) who clenched teeth, bulging eyes and occa- This kept them working flat out. encouraged them to channel their anti- sionally plenty of spit and drool. They However, just when they thought the establishment inclinations into their switched to sculpting the heads in clay graft couldn’t get much worse, they artwork. They left college and Law and the realism was achieved by were approached by TV graphic de- managed to secure a job on The Sun- spray-painting various flesh tones and signer Martin Lambie-Nairn who had an day Times as an in-house cartoon il- inserting glass eyes and dentures. idea to make puppets from the models lustrator. This was the beginning of the Then, according to requirements the and use them in a topical, up-to-the- satire boom, and Law began to work models were dressed from a full ward- minute, satirical TV show. The grafting on a series of cartoon strips with Peter robe of specially made costumes and was about to intensify. To be continued. Cook. Towards the end of the 1960s given stick on eyebrows, wigs, make- Law left The Sunday Times and went up, moustaches, beards and even pubic to look for work in America. Here he hair. A variety of props were added began to construct papier-mache and including pipes, batons, guns and at

Short, sharp and shocking: Willie Whitelaw and Margaret Thatcher as seen by Fluck and Law

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11 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK The Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain Income and Expenditure Account April 1st 2005 - March 31st 2006

WELCOME once again dear members to the Treasurer’s Report for the fiscal year April 2005 to March 2006.

A year with a difference without a doubt. We have focused somewhat on in-house activities this year, in the form of a wide variety of excellent and invaluable talks from our mem- bers together with informative in- sights into the other side of our car- toon world from editors and publish- ers to name but a few. The sphere of cartooning is ever increasing and it is a wise cartoonist indeed who keeps himself abreast of new and vibrant markets and opportunities. Sadly the old days of Fleet Street are gone, but let us not mourn their passing – let us instead remember them fondly and look east to where the land is bright, and embrace the new with open arms and a hungry heart.

Of course, one of the main links to those new markets is the internet; an absolutely vital tool for information and guidance. And we must give huge thanks to Ian Ellery and Steve Kelly for maintaining our thriving website (www.ccgb.org.uk) an es- sential club vehicle for member communication, interaction and in- formation. With more than 100 reg- istered users and well over 5,000 postings since launch, I think we can watching the website and The Jester safely say it’s a winner. Don’t forget, for news of important events the forum is there for all members to coming up. use – so get posting folks, and do make sure your web pages are up to So as I switch off my calculator for date. the final time it only really remains for me to say thank you to the com- Our thanks must also go to Royston mittee and members who have Robertson, our esteemed Editor, for helped and supported me during my producing The Jester every month, it term as Treasurer. I will be sad to go too has gone from strength to but pleased that I will be leaving strength and is now worthy of grac- matters in very capable hands. ing any WHSmith shelf along side I wish you all the very best of the great and the good. health and success in the coming year and many, many more to come. We have some wonderful activities “But I distinctly said, ‘Show me lined up for the future, so do keep Jill Kearney a pair of chameleons!’”

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Film Funnies “Where’s the bloody stuntman?”

“Crikey Sarge, she wants to know if we’ve seen Basic Instinct.”

“Well, they did say it was only a walk-on part.” “It’s some sort of cult film” 13 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

Cuttings, clockwise from below: Mark Kermode in the Observer Review, spotted by the Ed; from the Daily Record and The Sun, spotted by John “Speedy” Harrison

14 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Notes from the North THE seventieth anniver- sary celebrations have brought out some interesting sidelines. An amaz- ing piece appeared in the Daily Mail, written by Stuart Nicolson. In the article, a Mr Donald Owens came up with an anecdote about his friend Ron Low, the son of R.D. Low, who is recognised as the author of Oor Wullie, in tandem with artist Dudley D. Watkins. Mr Owens said Ron Low told him that Wullie had been based on him – the story being that Ron had visited his Dad’s office, aged eight, dressed in dungarees and carrying a bucket of potatoes (as you do). R.D Low got his son to sit on the upturned bucket (no mention of what became of the pota- toes) and got Watkins to make a sketch of him – thus we got the Wul- lie character, complete with bucket and dungarees. Ron Low turned out to be a very clever chap indeed. After studying at St Andrews University he became a doctor. Later he emigrated to Canada, Above: Bill joined the RCAF and became a re-creates a moment squadron leader. He then became a of cartoon history. distinguished surgeon at RCAF Gimli Left: Ron Law and in Manitoba. He retired to Inverness Wullie, as pictured and died in 1992. The news that Wul- in the Daily Record lie was based on him is quite a reve- (spotted by John lation seventy years after the event! “Speedy” Another diversion from the strip Harrison) celebrations was a story that Wullie’s arch-enemy, PC Murdoch, was in- spired by a certain Sandy Marnoch although Watkins must have been strong. The programme found two of who worked with Dudley Watkins influenced by people around him my ex-colleagues, to describe life in when the artist was a wartime reserve (probably subconsciously) I like to the “Fun Factory”. Roger Buist spoke constable in Fife. This story got con- think the great man got on with it and about working in the caseroom in the siderable press coverage. that the characters he created owe hot metal days, before computer- It so happens that I have met Sandy their existence to his imagination, isation took over. Ian Gray, one time Marnoch. His daughter, Vera, is mar- energy, and his magic penwork. Beano staff man, said that it helped to ried to my wife’s brother. If I had only be a bit of a “screwball” to work on known his connection with Watkins at A TELEVISION programme with ! the times I met him, I could have had some cartoon interest was a BBC more direct information. Vera tells production Scotland on Film, a series me she had a drawing of her father by showing archive footage of how I WAS intrigued by Tim Harries’ Watkins but it has gone astray! Could things used to be. guide to cartoon venue is London. Is this have been the original for PC The programme I watched focused the capital becoming a rival to Brus- Murdoch? on Tayside, Fife and particularly sels in the cartoon tourist trail busi- Vera also pointed out that Watkins Dundee, which is known as the city ness? I am almost tempted to make and Sgt Marnoch served together at of jute, jam and journalism, being the the trip south to sample the cartoon Kincardine-on-Forth, from 1939 to home of D.C. Thomson. Many press delights. Mind you, I still think that 1945, not at St Andrews as reported in journalists started their career with Dundee should long ago have had a the press. Watkins found the time to D.C. Thomson and the company is, of comic gallery/museum – an idea continue drawing his strips on top of course, also the home of many maga- often mooted but not acted upon by his police work. These revelations zines and comics, notably The Beano those who could organise such an and comments are all very fine, and and , which are still going undertaking. More’s the pity.

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Clive Collins

IT WAS while I was idly scraping the strict are they in the latter that people dian ink have been known to cause marmalade off the newspaper early are now required to board aircraft giddiness, and you should change the other morning – a time when the totally nude, which does away with your pen nib each day, as using an old spirits are lowest – and pondering on all those security worries as well. one can cause it to snap, sending just why people enjoy Everyone And then fear, like the clammy hand dangerous pieces of metal hurtling Loves Raymond that I spied the pho- in the night, crawled over my being as eyeward. tograph of the two Muslim ladies, I realised that nothing, repeat NOTH- Keeping awake and alert at all times holding their angling catch, accompa- ING has been done by H&S to pro- is imperative, since drowsiness – nying an article about how the tect us in our day-to-day lives as car- while holding a pen – can cause the Powers That Be are trying to attract toonists. To this dangerous gap head to lower, and the eyeball to be women and diverse ethnic groups into in our caring society, I contacted my pierced with the end of the aforemen- that canal and riverside sport so be- local office, who have kindly pro- tioned item. loved of insomniacs and lonely peo- vided me with a leaflet (part of which For the new-tech artist, the risks are ple. However what really caught my is illustrated here) to set my mind, magnified. The brightness of your eye were the goggles that both ladies and now yours at rest. screen can cause madness and hallu- were wearing “as supplied by Health It covers both the old-tech cartoon- cinations of the “I think THIS one’s & Safety”. ist, with his or her lethal array of going to sell!” variety. H&S supply What a wonderfully caring group equipment, ranging from scalpels – safety goggles specifically designed H&S are; when they’re not forcing these must on no account be inserted for cartoonists – tinted and snug kids to wear those same protective into one’s nose or ear sharp end first – fitting – and that have been proven in goggles while playing conkers in to Cow Gum, which is only to be laboratory tests not to restrict thought. Norfolk and cutting down the re- employed with a full-time regular Having a radio playing in the back- maining deadly conker trees, they’re firefighter on hand, while you must ground can ease tension for both the advising low-cost airlines that people exhibit a large sign in your room or new and old-tech cartoonist, though it may no longer take large amounts of studio saying “No Smoking”. Nox- is advisable not to listen to too many hand luggage onto aircraft. In fact so ious fumes from less-than-fresh In- news broadcasts on Radio 4 since an alarming rise in body temperature can lead to harm and the possibility of attacks upon the other members of one’s family. Alcohol is specifically to be avoided since it induces a feeling of well- being, running contrary to the needs of the artist. The Health & Safety Commissariat, set up recently under the Care-in-the- Community Bill is seeking powers to enter premises where they strongly suspect, or have reason to believe that a cartoonist is happily engaged in his or her gainful employment, so they can implement the rules, on pain of a heavy fine and confiscation of com- puter or drawing board.

POINTS to ponder: The late John Junkin said, “I have come to the con- clusion over the past couple of years that they have closed showbusiness down, re-painted it and are now pro- ducing it under another name”. Substitute the word cartooning for showbusiness and it all begins to make a depressing sort of sense … Careful now: important Health & Safety And on a totally non-cartoon subject: advice for cartoonists is it just me that thinks Georgie Fame now looks like Gary Lineker’s dad?

16 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Dedication is what you need Lawrence Goldsmith talks to busy Roger Mahoney about The Gambols, and Andy Capp

How did you get started? I was in my early 20s when I sent six pocket cartoon drawings to Barry Appleby of The Gambols cartoon strip on the Daily Express for his opinion. His response was so encour- aging. He invited me up to London to meet the cartoon editor and cartoonist Osbert Lancaster and “Artie” and then later on to meet Peter Knight at London News and Features Services. Nobody told me I should give up so I sent my very first batch of cartoons to a little magazine called Red Star Weekly. They accepted three of them for 15 shillings each – I was hooked.

Who were your early influences? I loved the work of Brockbank for his superb draughtsmanship. Also the dramatic and intensely funny artwork Roger Mahoney: “My biggest fear is running out of paper” of Sprod who influences me to this day. Another is Mahood during the concentration, but this is made all the Do you have a studio at home? 1950s with his wonderful design more enjoyable by the brilliant Yes, I have a little brick and tile stu- sense and wordless cartoons of unbe- scriptwriting of Roger Kettle. dio with a chimney in the woods not lievable inventiveness. Johnny Hart’s far from my cottage. It’s very quiet, brilliant cartoon B.C. was, to me, the You also draw the Mirror’s Mandy which is perfect for concentration. ultimate strip with its economy of line and the Sunday Andy Capp for the and brevity of word. US. How do you manage it all? What materials do you use? Having this kind of workload only Just the usual assortment of Rotring Was it daunting taking on The requires organisation and discipline. I artpens, blue pencils for layouts and Gambols and Andy Capp? work to a timetable to be sure of black acrylic ink. I keep about three Not at all. I got a tremendous getting everything done. I just draw year’s supply of high-quality art paper from writing and drawing The Gam- two strips in the morning and two in and packing card cut to size. My bols. I felt that this was something I the afternoon every day and the job’s biggest fear is running out of paper. could do for Barry in return for all the done. I work in silence in the morn- time, advice and help he gave to me ings and listen to jazz all afternoon. Advice for aspiring cartoonists? over the years. When I was asked to Because I designed the Mandy strip it Developing an individual style is very take over his strip I said yes, without is the easiest to draw and also the important but most of all you need to any thought as to whether or not I fastest. A lot of time is saved by not make sure your cartoon is going to be could do it. But when I sat down for pencilling in first. I draw everything funny to the markets you’re aiming the first time to scribble out a few in ink straight on to the paper. The at. Make sure there is not a better way comedy situations, the ideas came so frames and lettering go in first and the to put the joke over. If you feel there fast I was sure Barry was standing drawing last. I work from 8am till is then have the courage to scrap your beside me giving me the jokes. I was 6pm with two coffee breaks in the artwork and start again. Dedication writing the punchline for the next morning and two tea breaks in the and perseverance in particular, will strip before I’d finished the one I was afternoon. I take an hour for lunch take you a long way down the road to working on. I remember thinking, five days a week. success. “Hang on, I can’t keep up!” Taking on the job of drawing Andy Capp was quite a challenge. Each drawing is not only under scru- tiny by the Mirror but also by the American syndicates and numerous editors around the world. Drawing as accurately as I can in Reg Smythe’s style requires a tremendous amount of Printed with the permission of the Daily Mirror 17 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK Welcome to new member Potted Minutes from CCGB Alan Turner MBE AGM committee meeting 57 Monkmoor Road of April 4, 2006 Shrewsbury SY2 5AS Tel:01743-231 959 Email: [email protected] Present: Richard Tomes, Graham Fowell, Jill Kearney, Clive Collins, Jock Williams- Cartoons for Countryside Alliance, calendars, one-offs Davies, Neil Dishington, Pete Jacob, Ian Ellery, Mike Turner, Les Barton, Derek Quint, Helen Martin. Apologies: Roger Penwill, Jed Stone, Jed Pascoe.

Matters Arising: Ipswich – exhibition to be in Town Hall for a week. Also we will take a stall selling cartoons, handbooks etc. Club member Jack Pennington has cancer and is in hospital. Graham has visited him.

Treasurer’s Report: Approximately £4,000 in bank. Treasury hand-over is halfway there. Projects: Ian has some gallery space in Hastings for possible future use. Website: Going well, particularly public Q&A forum. New galleries now established. Someone Jesterquiz needed to work on uploads. solution New Member: Alan Turner MBE. Any Other Business: Pocket book of members’ cartoons from Jester mooted as possibility, in a similar style to the old Journal of Silly. Jill to look at making a mock-up. The next meeting will Changes be at The Plough pub in Little Russell Street, near to the new of address Cartoon Museum. Helen Martin 42 Tillingdown Hill Committee dissolved 7.30pm; Caterham Reconvened 8pm. Incoming Surrey CR3 6QN Hon. Secretary Jed Stone; Tel: 07966-596 690 incoming Membership Secretary Jed Pascoe; incoming Treasurer Alexander Matthews Anne Boyd. Club expresses (Incorrect in March issue) thanks for service with plaques to 10a Topsfield Parade Wonder of wonders Jill Kearney (Treasurer 2002 – Crouch End, ... it’s John Landers! 2006) and Richard Tomes (Hon. London N8 8PR Caricature by Rex Juriansz Secretary 2002 – 2006). 18 THE JESTER ISSUE 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK A word from the Editor THE DEADLINE PEN talk alert! There’s often concern think I was really aware of brush pens. IS THE 12th OF on the committee that new people join as such. But now I’m using Faber- the CCGB thinking it’s going to give a Castell Pitt artist pens, as recommended huge boost to their fledgling careers in by Tim, and the results have been quite EVERY MONTH cartooning, rather than just approaching a transformation. They allow for a it as a social club. But the two are not much thicker, more confident line. And, mutually exclusive. importantly, they are a lot more fun to Here’s an example of how being a use. You do have to get used to drawing member of the club can be beneficial to quite a bit bigger, but that’s part of the the cartoon work. I’ve been experiment- fun. Now all I need is a pen to help me ing with brush pens for the first time, write funnier gags ... after they were recommended by two fellow members, Matt Buck and Tim HERE are a couple of websites that you Harries, when I was bemoaning my may find useful. The first is an arts Contributions via email: linework at club meetings (well we all supplies site that Tim Harries recom- [email protected] like a pint and a good moan don’t we?). mended for the brush pens: artifolk. A few years back I used to draw very co.uk It’s an easy to use site and the Contributions via post: precisely, over pencil lines that were pens landed on my doormat the next The Jester later rubbed out, largely because I day. Also recommended is c/o Royston Robertson started out drawing strips rather than calibrecomputing.co.uk which is great 20 Upton Road single-frame gag cartoons. But in recent for cheap printer inks (apparently your Broadstairs years I’ve drawn more loosely, on a average printer ink costs more than Kent CT10 2AS piece of paper over a rough placed on a vintage champagne these days) and, Tel: 01843-871 241 lightbox, but I carried on using the same again, it’s very reliable. technical drawing pens (Rotring or Royston Robertson similar). These pens are good for All articles and cartoons precise work but the results are not welcomed (especially for the always great with looser stuff. Next month’s cartoon theme: front and back covers) Anyway, obviously I’d seen brush EDUCATION. Send all School work in cartoons but I somehow felt it Silliness and College Chuckles to Email submissions are wasn’t for me. To be honest, I don’t the usual address(es) please preferred, as then images and text do not need to be scanned – but snail mail is still acceptable

Images sent by email should be a resolution of 300dpi, and in the JPEG format – no Tiffs, Gifs, Cifs or Pifs please!

If you send artwork in the post that you want back, please include an SAE

REMEMBER: the next club meeting is May 2 “This film contains graphic scenes of a sexual nature throughout ... you’ll be absolutely delighted to know.” and will be held at THE PLOUGH, LITTLE Membership enquiries to: Jed Stone (Secretary), 7 Gambetta RUSSEL STREET, Street, Battersea, London, SW8 3TS. Tel: 020-7720 1884 BLOOMSBURY, LONDON Email: [email protected] Subscription enquiries to: Anne Boyd (Treasurer), 7 Gambetta (near Cartoon Museum) Street, Battersea, London, SW8 3TS. Tel: 020-7720 1884 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 385 – MAY 2006 CCGB ONLINE: WWW.CCGB.ORG.UK

“Here we go again: ‘Me Tarzan – one time big movie star.’”

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