Talk – James Gillray: A Revolution in Satire

A talk presented by The Cartoon Museum.

Join historian and writer, Tim Clayton as he discusses James Gillray (1756-1815) – late Georgian Britain’s funniest, most inventive and most celebrated graphic satirist to celebrate the launch of the book: James Gillray: A Revolution in Satire.

Gillray borrowed and wittily redeployed celebrated passages from William Shakespeare and John Milton to send up politicians in an age – as now – where society was fast changing, anxieties abounded, truth was sometimes scarce, and public opinion mattered.

Tim Clayton’s definitive biography explores Gillray’s life and work through his friends, publishers – the most important being women – and collaborators, aiming to identify those involved in inventing satirical prints and the people who bought them. Clayton thoughtfully explores the tensions between
artistic independence, financial necessity and the conflicting demands of patrons and self-appointed censors in a time of political and social turmoil.

The book will be available to purchase on the night.

More information and how to book here.

Why not have a look at the Cartoon Museum’s current exhibition too? AOI Members can get 50% off the ticket price – find out how here.