AOI is saddened to hear of the death of unique illustrator and AOI Patron, Ronald Searle, at the age of 91. Ronald was a truely amazing artist. He had seen a great deal and lived through many changes, and this gave him a unique way of visually interpreting our world. Superlative drawing coupled with strong ideas and powerful and often humourous assessments of the human character.

A family statement said: “Ronald William Fordham Searle, born 3 March 1920, passed away peacefully in his sleep with his children, Kate and John, and his grandson, Daniel, beside him on 30 December 2011 in Draguignan, France, after a short illness. He requested a private cremation with no fuss and no flowers.”

Amongst a huge body of work, Ronald drew critical political work for Le Monde newspaper, as well as the notorious St Trininan’s characters, and he generously created this original artwork for the Pro-Action campaign which fights for visual artists’ rights. He will be much missed.

Derek’s account of meeting Ronald is here.

Perpetua site

Ronald portrait by Andrea Liggins