This is a busy week for the British Cartoon Archive as it prepares for the launch of two Giles exhibitions, and a new website. Phew.
The first exhibition ‘Giles: One Of The Family’ is on view at the Cartoon Museum, Little Russell Street, London, from Wednesday 5 November 2008 to 15 February 2009, and includes material from the British Cartoon Archive. This features over 80 works such as colour artwork as well as drawings never reproduced in the Giles annuals. His studio is recreated complete with desk, drawing board, reference material, and many of the toys given to him, some made by fans. Also revealed are less familiar aspects of his career, including his time as an animator, his propaganda work for the Ministry of Information during the Second World War, and his work as a cartooning war correspondent for the Express.
The second exhibition takes place in Ipswich, where Giles had a studio. ‘Giles: Drawn To Suffolk’ focuses on area that Giles called home and shows works illustrating Ipswich places and people. This exhibition also has studio items including a collection of police helmets (illustrated in one of the cartoons) and photographs. The exhibition, which is being held at the Ipswich Town Hall Galleries, starts on Saturday 8 November 2008 and runs until 17 January 2009.
A catalogue of the Cartoon Museum exhibition will be available at the London and Ipswich venues.
The British Cartoon Archive website is getting a facelift and relaunches on Wednesday 5 November, so keep an eye on the site for developments.
