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Art that brings stories to life

Angela Kelly
26/11/2008

STEP inside the pages of a book – sort of – at a fascinating new exhibition at Portico Gallery.

The Illustrators covers the British art of illustration from 1800 to 2008 and promises some gems in a wealth of exhibits.

It has been staged by Chris Beetles Gallery in St James’, London, which is world- renowned for shows of this type among illustration enthusiasts and collectors.

The Manchester exhibition occurs at the same time as an exciting show in London to celebrate the gallery’s 27th anniversary.

Founder Chris Beetles is an enthusiast par excellence for British illustration and has almost single handedly created the market for illustration and cartoons.

A collector for many years, he gave up a career in medicine to open the venue and has also exhibited in New York with great success.

About a quarter of his Manchester exhibition comprises the work of living artists and displays most of the best illustrators like Quentin Blake and Michael Foreman, renowned for their illustration of children’s books.

On display will be pictures by artists such as Ronald Searle, whose pictures of St Trinian’s pupils in particular caught the public imagination, and classic children’s book illustrators like Arthur Rackham and his wonderful fairytale pictures.

At the same time, th work of celebrated cartoonists like David Low, ‘Vicky’ and Peter Brookes, the Times’ cartoonist, will be displayed.

Those interested in history may appreciate the works of Thomas Rowlandson with his many caricatures and, later, the great artists of Punch magazine including John Tenniel, the illustrator of Alice in Wonderland.

There are also the incomparable, witty drawings of Phil May and, to stir more childhood memories, the works of Beatrix Potter and Mabel Lucie Attwell. And then there are the remarkable complex and eccentric inventions of William Health Robinson.

Chris Beetles said that many people feel he is responsible for taking cartoon and illustration "out of the loo and into the living room".

Certainly, he has brought illustration into line with fine art and has blurred the distinction between the two.

As original book illustrations and cartoons are also relatively affordable, this sector of the art market is growing.

It even survived the last recession and is still proving a durable and desirable commodity for art lovers.

Chris Beetles is on a crusade to bring British illustration to the attention of the general public, and he hopes that this exhibition will do just that for the north west as it has in the south.

If it proves so, this entertaining exhibition could become an annual event.

The Illustrators runs until Thursday, January 22, 2009 at the Portico Gallery in Mosley Street, Manchester. Ring 0161 236 6785 for more information or visit www.theportico.org.uk .