Astérix in Britain exhibition opens at London’s Jewish Museum in May

By Richard Sheaf on April 29, 2018

Astérix in Britain: The Life and Work of René Goscinny

London’s Jewish Museum is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the life and work of René Goscinny, the writer of Asterix, opening 10th May 2018, billed as an immersive and playful exhibition that explores the unique imagination of the co-creator, with Albert Uderzo, of the Astérix comics.

René Goscinny’s story, from a childhood in Argentina to a glittering career that began in New York and flourished in Europe, is brought to life through rare original scripts, storyboards, photographs, films, sketches, dressing up stations, games, and more than a little wild boar…

The exhibition is adapted from the exhibition originally produced by the Museum of Jewish Art and History in Paris in partnership with the René Goscinny Institute.

There are plenty of tie-in events planned around the exhibition, and along with plenty of artist appearances, perhaps of most interest to downthetubes readers is the talk on 28th June (7.00 – 8.00pm), when Oliver Kamm, leader writer and columnist for The Times and son of the literary translator Anthea Bell, reflects on how Asterix has become an icon of British humour.

Anthea’s translations of Asterix are acclaimed for their distinctive English wordplay while retaining the spirit of the French originals. Hear how Asterix has become an icon of British humour and learn more about Anthea’s process of translating.

• You can book tickets for the Oliver Kamm event here

• Astérix in Britain: The Life and Work of René Goscinny runs from 10th May until 30th September 2018 at the Jewish Museum, Raymond Burton House, 129-131 Albert Street London NW1 7NB | More details online here | The museum is just three minutes walk from Camden tube station and is open daily 10.00am – 5.00pm (but only 10.00am – 2.00pm on Fridays)

• Buy Asterix books from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link by most recent release)

*Asterix and Dogmatix. © Les Editions Albert René*

Related Events

Talks and Tours

Curator’s Talks: Astérix in Britain
Wednesday, 2-2.30pm
30 May, 27 June, 25 July, 29 August and 26 September

The behind the scenes story of Rene Goscinny and his beloved comics.

Curator’s Talks: Who Has the Last Laugh?
Wednesday 3 – 3.30pm
18 July, 15 August, 12 September

Discover some of the cartoons and caricatures usually kept in storage. Our curator will reveal the stories behind the images, some of which go back to the 18th century.

The Jewish Joke
31 May, 7-8pm

Author Devorah Baum shares the hilarious history of the Jewish joke in conversation with Peter Pomerantsev. It is as old as Abraham, and like the Jews themselves it has wandered over the world, learned countless new languages, worked with a range of different materials, been performed in front of some pretty hostile crowds, but still retained its own distinctive identity. So what is it that animates the Jewish joke? Why are Jews so often thought of as ‘funny’? And how old can a joke get?

Art is My Weapon: Lin Jaldati’s Political Satire
20 June, 7-8pm

Historian David Shneer introduces Lin Jaldati, a Dutch Jewish cabaret performer who used political satire and fierce activism to advocate for change throughout her life. Her remarkable story is brought to life through rare photographs, archival footage, and live performances of her repertoire.

Astérix in Translation
28 June, 7-8pm

Oliver Kamm, leader writer and columnist for The Times and son of the literary translator Anthea Bell, reflects on how Asterix has become an icon of British humour. Anthea Bell’s translations of Asterix are acclaimed for their distinctive English wordplay while retaining the spirit of the French originals.

*A scene from Asterix in Britain. © Les Editions Albert René*

Live Demonstrations and Workshops

Comic Book Artists in Residence
8 July – 23 September 2018, Tuesday and Sunday, 1-4pm, except for Saturday 8, Thursday 13 September

See leading comic artists in action as they work on their own cartoons and respond to the galleries and visitors – you may end up as a work of art yourself! Artists include Zoom Rockman, Lucie Arnoux, Tasreen Rahman, Charlotte Bailey, Tom Berry, Matt Boyce, Taymah Anderson and Paul Shinn.

Check the Museum events page for the latest details on who will be drawing during your visit.

How to Draw Anything
26 July 7 – 8.30pm

Rediscover the natural instinct for expressing yourself through drawing. Along the way discover how drawing can give clarity to your thoughts, trigger memories, invigorate passions and solve problems. Led by Chris Wilson, one of the founding members of Scriberia, and author of “How to Draw Anything”. No previous drawing experience necessary!
This workshop is aimed at adults.

Autobiographical Comic Book Workshop
28 July, 2-3.30pm

Learn how you can tell your own story through words and images. Led by Dr Sarah Lightman, an artist, scholar, curator and Eisner- award-winning author.

Late Events

Laydeez do Comics
13 August, 6-9pm

Explore the extraordinary life and work of Charlotte Salomon with Laydeez do Comics, the first women-led graphic novel forum. Hear from Corinne Pearlman, Creative Director of Myriad Editions, speaking about their latest publication, ‘The Inking Woman’, celebrating 250 years of the work of women cartoonists in Britain.

Pow! Bam! Oy! Comic Book Late
30 August, 6-9pm

A comic book themed extravaganza, featuring live artist demos, workshops and a prize for the best dressed!

Brit(ish) Comedy Show
6 September, 7-9pm

Astérix found much to laugh about when he came to visit the Isles – but how do we feel about Britishness today? These diverse comics will be tackling the topics of identity, patriotism and Brexit! In an event curated by Ben Van der Velde, resident MC at Good Ship Comedy, these exciting and diverse comics, Alice Fraser, Pierre Novellie and Sindhu Vee, will be tackling the topics of identity, assimilation and Brexit!