Panel Borders: Martin Rowson and Tristram Shandy

June 11, 2010 — Rude Britannia

Panel Borders:

Martin Rowson and Tristram Shandy

Originally broadcast 09/06/10 as part of a Clear Spot on Resonance 104.4 FM

Images from Tristram Shandy and The Guardian newspaper by Martin Rowson

In the first of a trio of shows about and inspired by the Tate Britain exhibition ‘Rude Britannia’, Alex Fitch talks to newspaper cartoonist Martin Rowson about his rereleased graphic adaptation of the humorous and experimental Eighteenth century novel The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Lawrence Sterne. Alex and Martin also talk about the latter’s interest in the history of cartooning from William Hogarth to George Herriman, the artist’s experiences in using different drawing media and his ways of overcoming boredom!

For more info about this podcast and a variety of formats you can stream or download, please visit the home of this episode at www.archive.org

Links: Guardian archive of Martin Rowson’s cartoons
Info about Tristram Shandy at publisher Self Made Hero’s website
Rude Britannia microsite

Recommended events:

MARTIN ROWSON: CREATIONS IN BAD FAITH, DRAWINGS FOR NEW HUMANIST MAGAZINE

Since 2002 satirical cartoonist Martin Rowson has been drawing exclusive covers and illustrations for New Humanist magazine. Rowson’s acid nib has provided the perfect visual accompaniment to New Humanist’s cheeky godlessness. Show features more than 50 pieces from a unique collaboration truly made in hell.

8 Jun to 12 Jun

Menier Gallery , 51 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU

COMICS AND MEDICINE: Medical Narrative in Graphic Novels

Confirmed keynote lectures by Paul Gravett, Brian Fies and Marc Zaffran

This one-day interdisciplinary conference aims to explore medical narrative in graphic novels and comics. Although the first comic book was invented in 1837 the long-format graphic narrative has only become a distinct and unique body of literary work relatively recently. Thanks in part to the growing Medical Humanities movement, many medical schools now encourage the reading of literature and the study of art to gain insights into the human condition. A serious content for comics is not new but representation of illness in graphic novels is an increasing trend. The melding of text and visuals in graphic fiction and non-fiction has much to offer medical professionals, students and, indeed, patients. Among the growing number of graphic novels, a sub-genre exploring the patients’ and the carers’ experiences of illness or disability has emerged.

Presentations will examine the development and trends evident in medically themed graphic fiction and manga, the relative strengths of the medium and the motivation behind its creation, whether by healthcare professionals, service users or carers. The use of ‘comics’ in medical and public education, and their role in health communication and scholarship will also be discussed.

17 June 2010

Institute of English Studies,
School of Advanced Study, University of London