(The speaker Dr Timothy Benson has copyright permission to use this image)
From Gillray’s Plumb Pudding to Dave Brown’s subversive depictions of the war in Iraq, throughout history cartoons have helped us consider our world in a different and more subversive light. Next week, Britain’s leading authority on political cartoons will outline their evolution and history, using examples of some of the greatest cartoons to appear in print.
A special live event being hosted on Monday 20th June by the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution sees Dr Tim Benson of the Political Cartoon Gallery, London outline the history and evolution of political cartoons. At a time when political sensitivities have rarely been so acute, and dialogue continually centers upon how much offence we as citizens should be prepared to take. An exploration of the history of cartoons, which deeply offended the likes of Kaiser Wilhelm II, Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, John Major, Tony Blair and David Cameron, puts forward the case that they are not just an optional delight but, indeed, a political necessity.
Dr Benson will discuss the evolving relationship between cartoonists and their editors and will consider recent developments, in the light of the case of Charlie Hebdo and the Je suis Charlie movement and address whether cartoonists can continue to assert the right to offend while holding those who govern us to account. Are cartoonists more vulnerable than they ever were? In which case what can we do to defend them?
In a time when civil liberties and matters of free speech dominate wider societal conversation, join Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution at their Queen Square HQ for a talk that could neither be more timely or so essential. Dr Benson will take part in a live Q&A, so do not forget to bring any burning questions with you.
Dr Tim Benson runs the Political Cartoon Gallery and Café in London and edits the annual ‘Britain’s Best Political Cartoons’ series. His recent published books on cartoon history will be available for sale and signing.
The lecture is part of the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution’s wider programme of political talks and cultural events and for further lectures and events visit http://www.brlsi.org
Dr Tim Benson runs the Political Cartoon Gallery and Café in London and edits the annual Britain’s Best Political Cartoons series. His recent published books on cartoon history will be available for sale and signing.
This will be a live in-person presentation followed by a Q&A discussion. When: Tuesday 20 June from 7:30 – 9pm
Where: 16 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN
Tickets: Members £4/ non-members £7
When: Monday 20th June from 7:30 – 9pm
Where: Virtual Event – Online Only
Tickets: Members £4 / non-members £7
