“Bookmarks” cartoon exhibition opens at Westminster Reference Library

By John Freeman on June 7, 2019

Bookmarks Exhibition – Poster cartoons by © Sarah Boyce, The Surreal McCoy & Noel Ford

Bookmarks, an exhibition of cartoons on the theme of books, literature and libraries drawn by the UK’s finest and funniest cartoonists, is running now at London’s Westminster Reference Library until 22nd June 2019.

Bookmarks Exhibition- Westminster Reference Library 2019

Photo: Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation

Organised by the Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation, the show features work by over 30 of its members, including a host of familiar cartoonists from the pages of The Guardian, The Independent, Private Eye and the rest of the British press, whose signed originals and prints will be on sale.

Cartoon by © Jeremy Banx

Cartoon by © Chris Madden

During the exhibition, on Saturday 15th June 2.00 – 4.00 pm, there will be a free drawing workshop run by cartoonist Zoom Rockman, creator of the Zoom comic and the Beano’s “Skanky Pigeon” strip as well as work in Private Eye magazine. This event is free and suitable for all ages but spaces are limited so booking is highly recommended via Eventbrite.

• Westminster Reference Library can be found at: 35 St. Martin’s Street, London WC2H 7HP | For more information visit the PCO official site – and for a list of exhibitors and price list for the works please email info@procartoonists.org

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.