Chelmsford TUC

Politics

Political Cartoons and Cartoonists

Political cartoonists and trade unionists have much in common; historical experience has taught us to be wary of all politicians, whatever their political colour. There have been too many broken promises, and we have heard too many policy-making speeches in opposition which have failed to be turned into reality after the General Election. We have seen too many Manifesto commitments turned into Bills that are either diluted beyond recognition, or conveniently left until they fail to reach the statute book.

We have also witnessed many politicians entering the Palace of Westminster as "firebrands" who then forget their grass roots and end their Parliamentary career in the cosy club of the unelected House of Lords. There are, of course, honourable exceptions in every political party but politics is a strange business. We do need politicians, we also need the political cartoonist. The political cartoon can certainly be a devastating weapon - it can make you laugh if it suits your point of view, or it could fill you with anger if it does not. It has been said that one picture is worth a thousand words; what is certainly beyond doubt is that political cartoons have been a powerful method of cutting those in authority down to size. They are also invaluable in exposing the machinations of companies and governments. On 15 September 2004, the Political Cartoon Society created history by opening London’s first ever permanent centre for cartoon art at ‘The Political Cartoon Gallery’ 32 Store Street, London WC1E 7BS.

The Political Cartoon Society is the world’s only centre dedicated to political caricature. At the Gallery you will find the country’s only ‘Cartoon Café’, where today’s leading cartoonists have produced a unique mural featuring their best-known political creations. The Gallery also sells original artwork by leading cartoonists, both past and present, as well as a range of exciting cartoon ephemera. The Political Cartoon Gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm and on Saturdays between 11am - 5.30pm.

You may also be interested in the exhibits at the Cartoon Art Trust Museum 7-13 The Brunswick Centre, Bernard Street, London WC1 and our links below: