First night

First night

Sun, 2010-01-17 20:05

‘Private view’ at Orbital on Thursday last. Why had I been reluctant to go? What not to like?
Large shop space, millions of comics unfortunately no time to peruse. Room to the side (10x25  feet ?), walls hung with frames containing 15 drawings. Having delivered more than wall space allows, pictures will be rotated.
Drinks supplied courtesy of Cassie and Dave served by Cassie and Charlie’s Angels  Liz, Racheal, and, among her other duties, Ellen Rogers,without whom there would not be an exhibition . The plastic cup of Chardonnay I had re-filled five or six times. (my dodgy typing and predictive text tried to turn five or six into feverish but that is unfair - a bit hyped, perhaps)
Co-organiser Tobias Jones there to see I didn’t get into trouble. Spoke to Karl Asa whose retiring manner could have him taken for a minion waiting patiently to lock up rather than the all important shop manager. Shop owner Damien was there briefly I’m told but if we were introduced it must have been early on when still too nervous to take it in.
Met some people not seen for years; Garry Leach, who helped price the work but I wouldn’t let him tell at what; an ex-Wandsworth neighbour; an ex-counselling chum.
People introducing themselves essentially in order to say nice things; guy taken back to being thirteen by seeing a Look-in cover; comics fan who knew X-Men but had never read 2000AD; a young lady with a modest manner, quiet voice and unwavering eye contact.
Friends and family there in support so while signing posters with my silver-ink pen quite a few were dedicated ‘with love‘.
It was a strange experience being the focus of approval and affection. It led me to wonder if, were it not for my inclusion, the sample might demonstrate a genetic connection between liking comics and being nice people.
I had a terrific time. Thanks to those who made it possible, all visitors and staff. Can’t promise the same people will be there if you visit. I did get interested in some of the drawings.

If more photographs turn up might well show them too.

Show at Orbital Comics, 8,Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA, runs till Feb 28th

‘Private view’ at Orbital on Thursday last. Why had I been reluctant to go? What not to like?
Large shop space, millions of comics unfortunately no time to peruse. Room to the side (10x25  feet ?), walls hung with frames containing 15 drawings. Having delivered more than wall space allows, pictures will be rotated.
Drinks supplied courtesy of Cassie and Dave served by Cassie and Charlie’s Angels  Liz, Racheal, and, among her other duties, Ellen Rogers,without whom there would not be an exhibition . The plastic cup of Chardonnay I had re-filled five or six times. (my dodgy typing and predictive text tried to turn five or six into feverish but that is unfair - a bit hyped, perhaps)
Co-organiser Tobias Jones there to see I didn’t get into trouble. Spoke to Karl Asa whose retiring manner could have him taken for a minion waiting patiently to lock up rather than the all important shop manager. Shop owner Damien was there briefly I’m told but if we were introduced it must have been early on when still too nervous to take it in.
Met some people not seen for years; Garry Leach, who helped price the work but I wouldn’t let him tell at what; an ex-Wandsworth neighbour; an ex-counselling chum.
People introducing themselves essentially in order to say nice things; guy taken back to being thirteen by seeing a Look-in cover; comics fan who knew X-Men but had never read 2000AD; a young lady with a modest manner, quiet voice and unwavering eye contact.
Friends and family there in support so while signing posters with my silver-ink pen quite a few were dedicated ‘with love‘.
It was a strange experience being the focus of approval and affection. It led me to wonder if, were it not for my inclusion, the sample might demonstrate a genetic connection between liking comics and being nice people.
I had a terrific time. Thanks to those who made it possible, all visitors and staff. Can’t promise the same people will be there if you visit. I did get interested in some of the drawings.

If more photographs turn up might well show them too.

Show at Orbital Comics, 8,Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA, runs till Feb 28th

Comments

Alas not able to get to London to see this myself (northern and all that) but someone commented on the 2000ad message board that the original art is the same size as the final page. Can this be right???? If so that's incredible!

Hi Colin.
2000AD message board indeed.
As it says somewhere on this site I worked quarter-up on print size.
When I was an apprentice stamp and bank-note designer we painted those designs at print size so quarter up for comics was big.
Must say I am glad you asked. It does seem a little odd that folk debate stuff that could be resolved by just putting questions to the source.