Junior Tomlin one-day art exhibition hits London this weekend

By John Freeman on October 8, 2021

If you’re in London tomorrow, Saturday 9th October, you may want to make time to check out a one-day exhibition of work by Junior Tomlin, the comics colourist and mastermind behind some of the most iconic rave flyers and record covers of the late 1980s and early 90s.

Junior Tomlin has been an artist for over 35 years, working for comics (his credits spanning work for credits are Marvel, Panini, Titian, 2000AD and DC Comics), record labels, live events and film.

During the 1990s, he designed record covers for Renegade Soundwave and many flyers for raves. The latter have become collectables and have been dubbed the work of “the Salvador Dali of rave”.

He also created art for his own pleasure, some of which features in his official web site.

Junior Tomlin Exhibition Promotion (2021)

Last year, Velocity Press published his fabulous coffee table book, Flyer & Cover Art. Recently, he’s been working with low alcohol craft brewer Another Dimension, on a range of can artwork for their beers. Now, Velocity Press have teamed up with Another Dimension to host an exhibition of Junior’s work at the White Box Shop on Bethnal Green Road.

Another Dimension beer can art by Junior Tomlin

There will be 22 images on display: 19 flyers and record covers, plus the Another Dimension can artwork. The art will be printed onto A2 Correx board (lightweight corrugated plastic board) and all will be on sale.

You’ll be able to buy signed copies of his book for only £20 and if you’ve already bought a copy and would like it signed do bring it along.

Everyone attending on the day will be entered into a raffle to win one of four A2 Correx boards and the first 20 attendees will receive a signed and stamped flyer for free.

There will be a number of events on the day, with Junior himself hosting a live session at 4.00pm, where he will draw a piece of art either in pencil or charcoal and explain the process in creating digital art the tools and breakdown.

At 5.00pm, Velocity Press publisher Colin Steven, Another Dimension founder Joe Reader and Junior will be in conversation each discussing their work. Then, at 6.00pm, Another Dimension’s Joe Reader will present a talk and tasting session (beer tasting will also be on offer throughout the day). You’ll also be able to buy cans featuring Junior’s original artwork.

Velocity Press publishes electronic music and club culture books: memoir, history, contemporary, illustrated books, and beautifully produced limited editions. They aim to create a catalogue that feels like a trusted record label in its integrity and vision and delivers exciting and vital voices and stories to serious electronic music fans who enjoy good literature.

• Junior Tomlin Exhibition 11.00am – 9.00pm Saturday 9th October 2021, The White Box Shop, 59 Old Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 6QA

• Check out full details of the exhibition on the Velocity Press web site

• A selection of Junior Tomlin’s work are available as prints and t-shirts from his website at juniortomlin.com

• Read an extract from Flyer & Cover Art here on the Velocity Press web site

• Junior Tomlin: Flyer & Cover Art is available here from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

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.