Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK opened a few days ago, offering the first chance to see the British Library’s extensive comic book collection on display alongside original artwork and scripts loaned from such names asNeil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Dave Gibbons, China Mieville and Mark Millar.
From the 1825 Glasgow Looking Glass, thought to be the first ever comic, to Judge Dredd’s helmet from the recent film adaptation of the 2000AD Judge Dredd series, the exhibition traces a long and tumultuous history of the British comic book.
Highlights of the exhibition also include an example of a medieval ‘comic’ from 1470, Apocalypse, a ventriloquist dummy of Ally Sloper, one of the earliest comic strip characters, 70’s underground comics tried at court for obscenity, such as Oz which is accompanied by a previously unheard recording of the Oz trial itself, as well as 21st century material, including original artwork and manuscripts of the likes of Kick-Ass, Sandman and Batman and Robin, and Keaton Henson’s 2012 doll’s house installation, Gloaming, adapted specially for the show.
Curated by comic creator John Harris Dunning and leading UK expert Paul Gravett, working with Adrian Edwards, the British Library’s Head of Printed Historical Sources, the exhibition displays over 200 exhibits and uses newly commissioned artwork by celebrated comic book artist Dave McKean, the show’s artistic director.
Here are some more highlights of the exhibition – I highly recommend going and seeing everything for yourself.
Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK runs 2 May – 19 August 2014 priced at £9.50 / £7.50 and £5 concessions / Free for 16-18 year olds and you can book your tickets online. Exhibit opening hours are Monday 10.00 – 18.00, Tuesday 10.00 – 20.00, Wednesday – Friday 10.00 – 18.00, Saturday 10.00 – 17.00, Sunday and English public holidays 11.00 – 17.00.
