Special “Giles in Ipswich” talk reveals the cartoonist’s many links with the East Anglian town

John Field, an expert on the life and work of Daily and Sunday Express cartoonist, the late Carl Giles, will give a talk about him as a guest of The Ipswich Society this coming Wednesday, 15th February 2023.

John Field
Ipswich Docks were a regular source of inspiration for Giles’ cartoons, seen in the background of this 1965 cartoon. He often visited to sketch, as seen in a Pathe News item from 1945 we previously highlighted on downthetubes, although, commented Giles fan Bruce Sellers, “The footage of him crouching under goods wagons was troubling – leave that to the Shunters! As an ex-railwayman, it always horrifies me to see folks ‘on the railway’, who don’t have cause to be on the railway.”

John, a fan of Giles, who lived in Ipswich, has edited several of the annual collections of cartoons, along with other titles including Giles’s London, Giles’s Fighting Forces and The History of the World According to Giles.

A fan of the cartoonist’s work since he was a schoolboy, he has researched the work of the local cartoonist, and in particular his cartoons in the Daily/Sunday Express newspapers, which often featured “The Giles Family”, including the infamous “Grandma”.

Grandma showing her support for Ipswich Town FC

Many of the cartoons were drawn using backgrounds based on typical Ipswich buildings and streets, the town also home to the famous Giles statue, and John has put together an interesting collection of images which he will share with members and guests at the event at the Museum Street Methodist Church.

A 1300-strong organisation established in 1960 to ensure the well-being of the town, its past and its future, The Ipswich Society talks are free and open to all. John’s event will take place at 7.30pm at the Museum Street Methodist Church, the entrance in Black Horse Lane, which is equipped with comfortable seating and modern audio and visual facilities. (However, please note, the event is not being recorded).

Free tea, coffee and biscuits are served after the talks with a chance for members and guests to socialise.

• “Giles in Ipswich” – a talk by John Field 7.30pm Wednesday 15th February 2023 Museum Street Methodist Church, Black Horse Lane, Ipswich | Free and open to all | Web: ipswichsociety.org.uk | Facebook

Web Links

East Anglian Daily Times: Why is John Field such a big fan of Suffolk cartoonist Giles? (2015 article)

Giles’ London, edited by John Field, offers a selection of Giles’ Best Cartoons with a view on London | Buy it from AmazonUK

The works featured are based on the sights of London, showing Giles rich and astute humour through his drawing. This book has been carefully researched by John Field, and many cartoons are taken from private drawings that have never been published publicly

• British Cartoon Archive: Carl Giles

A great introduction to Giles with a detailed biography and links to examples of his work that reflect his personal life

• Carl Giles: Independent Obituary

With thanks to Reuben Willmott for the heads up



Categories: British Comics - Newspaper Strips, Comic Creator Spotlight, Comics, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events

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