Description

Framed Jeeves Cartoon – Wild Cats

Jeeves was a cartoonist about whom there is little reference material available . . . . I’ve tried dear reader, I’ve tried. Neither is there much to be gleaned about Elgin Studios in WC2 which is the sticker that is on the back of these original cartoons. The style of the cartoon and the style of the sticker and font leads me to suggest that they probably date from the late 1950s / early 1960s. Elgin Studios was based at New Court which is a location that is just a stones throw from Fleet Street so they were probably made for a magazine or newspaper that was based there.

What I did learn in my efforts to uncover Jeeves was about the blue colouring that is found on these works and on similar pieces. This blue was applied by the cartoonists working for magazines or newspapers in order to indicate half tones for the graphic’s staff printer. The blue wash showed them where to place the half-tone screen necessary for the equivalent greyscale. Cartoonists were not permitted to place their own half-tone screen because of strict union rules.

The works are framed in a black metal frame. The measurements of the frame are 22cm x 30.2cm x 2cm