The free exhibition of Paul Davies’ work takes place at the Garden’s Gallery (near the bandstand), in Montpellier, Cheltenham from Wednesday 16 to Tuesday August 22
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Gloucestershire cartoonist, Paul Davies, is showing an exhibition of his work which examines aspects of the “British Character”. The exhibition features a series of drawings which look at character aspects such as “our tendency to use every pot and utensil available in the kitchen” and our “ability to do absolutely nothing for many hours without a break”. The exhibition takes place at the Garden’s Gallery (near the bandstand), in Montpellier, Cheltenham from Wednesday 16 to Tuesday August 22. Entry is free.
Paul says, “This is a revisiting of the work of the famous 1930’s cartoonist Graham Laidler, who used the pen name of “Pont”. He was one of the most original talents to have appeared in the magazine “Punch”. He produced a series of cartoons called “The British Character” which became very popular. Often, to this day, you can see framed prints of his work hanging in private homes, hotels, bars and public buildings throughout the world. Here I am shining a new light on the “British Character” as it is today. I like to think that Pont would have approved and maybe even smiled...”
The exhibition will also feature some of Paul’s other work, including a series on “Apt Names”. This series visualises what someone with a name such as “Courtney Fish” or “Edward Inclewds” might look like.
Paul was brought up and schooled in Lancashire and went to the Manchester College of Art and Design. From the early 1970’s Paul worked on drawing to visualise ideas for advertising agencies and design groups in London. It was not long before he was asked to produce cartoons and storyboards for advertising. His work helped to shape many well-known TV adverts. Since then Paul has lived and worked in Stroud, Gloucester and now Cheltenham.
The exhibition will be open each day from around 9.30 until 5.30pm. Paul will be there in person each day and drawing on site and explaining aspects of the cartoonist’s craft. Paul’s work is available for sale from the venue. Also on sale is Paul’s “Glossary”, the definitive guide to the meanings of Gloucestershire place names (sort of). It has been known to bring on what is described as a “Duntisbourne Leer”, which is one of those knowing smiles brought on by too much sherry after an over large Christmas dinner.
