An artist’s proof print of a 1978 work by Batman artist Jerry Robinson is currently up for sale on eBay, in aid of the Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain.

Liz Shea, the daughter of the late Liverpudlian cartoonist and CCGB member Peter Shea, has given the club an assortment of his cartoon memorabilia to preserve. She also gave permission for the sale of items, with proceeds to go to the Club. (Pete was a loyal member of the club for 40 years).

Titled “Variations on a Theme 39“, the signed artist’s proof print on offer by Batman artist Jerry Robinson is endorsed by the DC Comics artist with a personal dedication to Pete, who visited New York on a CCGB outing in October 1979.

American comic artist Jerry Robinson (1st January 1922 – 7th December 2011) was taken on by cartoonist Bob Kane to work on his new creation, Batman, in 1939, at the age of 17 and, over the next few years, helped create the superhero’s sidekick, Robin, and his chief antagonist, the Joker.

You can bid on the item here on eBay, with bids currently at £48.

Since its inaugural meeting at The Feathers Pub, Tudor St, London on Friday 1st of April 1960, The Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain has evolved into one of the largest cartoonists organisations in the world, with a membership of over 200 full and part time Cartoonists in the United Kingdom (and further afield).

CCGB members receive a regular magazine, The Jester, which comes packed with cartooning-related articles interviews, news and reviews.

Its membership reflects the specialisations within the profession, all aspects of the business being severally represented, from single gags to strips and Caricature to Cartoon illustration. Prominently featured in its constitution are its objectives as an organisation with emphasis on encouraging good social contacts between cartoonists, (who for the most part lead rather more solitary professional lives than most) and to promote the art of the Cartoon.

“Being a member of our illustrious organisation gives you the opportunity to meet up with loads of cartoonists from all over the country. We are primarily a social club for cartoonists and as such we organise all kinds of get togethers from small evening meet-ups to larger multi-day events and conventions.”

• Sign up and join the Cartoonists’ Club of Great Britain (open to writers as well as artists) here

• You can bid on “Variations on a Theme 39” here on eBay, with bids currently at £48.

Jerry Robinson: Ambassador of Comics
by NC Christopher Couch
Published by Postscript Books in 2010
• Buy it from AmazonUK (Affiliate Link)

As a member of the original Batman team, Jerry Robinson created the first and most iconic of all supervillains, the Joker, and co-created Robin, the archetypal sidekick. During the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, Robinson worked on every comic book genre there was, and brought to life his own super heroes such as London, Jet Scott, and Atoman. His artistry also extended beyond comic books into editorial cartooning and popular syndicated newspaper strips such as “Still Life” and “Flubs & Fluffs”, as well as magazine and book illustration, fine arts, academia, and humanitarian affairs. Robinson was also an influential teacher, an important curator of cartooning art exhibits, and a tireless champion of artists’ rights. This rich, fully illustrated collection of his work was written in collaboration with the artist himself.

• About the Author
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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.

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Tags: Auction News, Batman, Cartoonists Club of Great Britain, downthetubes News, Jerry Robinson, Peter Shea