news Display Celebrates Local `War` Artist

[The Tank Museum]

Display Celebrates Local `War` Artist

A new exhibition case has been unveiled at The Tank Museum celebrating the work of the late Dorset based artist Joe Colquhoun.

 

 

Colquhoun worked alongside author Pat Mills on the comic strip `Charley’s War`, which follows the story of Charley Bourne, an under-age boy who volunteers to fight for King and country in the First World War. The comic strip first featured in the British War Comic ‘Battle Picture Weekly’ in 1979.

 

The display features some of Joe’s Colquhoun’s original ‘Charley’s War’ artwork, specifically those that depict the first appearance of a new weapon of war on the battlefield in 1916 – the tank.

 

Learning and Interpretation Officer Sarah Lambert said; “As with his colleague Pat Mills, Joe took the trouble of carefully researching his subject matter, spending time at The Tank Museum to ensure the tanks and crewmen were illustrated accurately. For eight years, Joe worked on ‘Charley’s War’, from his Dorset home until his death in 1987.”

 

In a tribute to his partner, Pat Mills summed up the widely shared feeling amongst Joe’s peers and fans; “Joe Colquhoun was a legend in the British Comics industry, but mention his name and few people have heard of him ... Joe started his career as the first artist to draw ‘Roy of the Rovers.’ The most famous British cartoon character ever!”

 

“Pat Mills scripts are based on detailed research and do not shy away from the horror and harsh realities of trench warfare” said Sarah. “Readers see Charley’s youthful enthusiasm turn to bitter disillusionment as he witnesses the death and injury of many of his friends in the great battles on the Western Front.”

 

The power of the writing led to Colquhoun to comment “The inspiration and dedication of Pat Mills has really rubbed off on me. I don’t want to let him down and I’m very interested in the subject even though it can depress me and is very emotive.”

 

The Tank Museum is grateful to Jane Colquhoun for the kind donation of her father’s original illustrations and personal items.

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This Saturday (22/10/11):

 

Local artist Mark Farmer, who himself studies under Joe Colquhoun, will be hosting free art workshops for both adults and children at The Tank Museum on 22nd October. Visitors will be encouraged to try their hand at comic strip / graphic novel style illustration based on World War One Topics. They’ll also be able to pick up the storyline from a Charley’s War strip at a `cliff hanger` moment and create their own suitable ending!

 

Then, at 15.30, listen to Charlies War author Pat Mills discuss his affection for Charley and his partnership with Joe Colquhoun. For more information on our lecture programme, click here.