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Prime Minister

Saturday March 2, 2024

March 2, 2024 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2024 Reflecting on Brian Mulroney's passing, a celestial scene contrasts with a contemporary tableau of present federal leaders engaged in an uncivilized punch-up, highlighting the disagreeable nature of today's political discourse and its evolution.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday March 2, 2024

R.I.P. Brian Mulroney

Mocking the mocker, me, as depicted by fellow cartoonist Michael de Adder from 2002.

In the day following the death of a past Prime Minister I came of age to, I’d like to acknowledge the personal connection and admiration I have for him, a sentiment tinged with a sense of atonement as an editorial cartoonist who has spent decades skewering politicians, with Mulroney being one of my enduring satirical targets. While some editorial cartoonists relentlessly skewer politicians, even in the wake of their death, the humanist in me requires the occasion to be drawn in the form of a tribute for public service.

Ed Broadbent, though not a Prime Minister, left an indelible mark as a progressive champion, steering the New Democratic Party for over two decades with a genuine commitment to justice and the well-being of average Canadians.

January 13, 2024

Pearly gates cartoons, often deemed clichéd, present an irresistible temptation for editorial cartoonists, who, despite mockingly acknowledging the trope, find it difficult to resist utilizing this well-worn comedic device when commemorating the passing of famous individuals. In my recent editorial cartoon, I navigated this trope by revisiting Canada’s pivotal federal election of 1984 within a celestial backdrop. I incorporated the infamous “I have no option” phrase uttered by Liberal leader John Turner during the heated great leaders debate, responding to Brian Mulroney’s inquiry about Turner’s approval of numerous patronage appointments made by his predecessor, Pierre Trudeau, just before Trudeau’s exit after 16 years in office. In my cartoon, this historical dialogue becomes a comical punchline in the afterlife, where the reunited leaders—Turner, Mulroney, and the recently deceased Ed Broadbent—share a jovial moment under the head caption “Disagreeing without being disagreeable.”

The Globe & Mail: Brian Mulroney, the last great prime minister

September 23, 2022

This celestial scene intentionally contrasts with a contemporary earthly tableau, depicting the present federal party leaders engaged in an uncivilized punch-up, spewing insults, vulgarities, and accusations. The dust ball featuring the heads of current leaders serves as a stark visual representation of the disagreeable nature of contemporary political discourse, creating which I hope might be a thought-provoking commentary on the evolution of political dialogue over time.

Returning to my personal connection with Mulroney, despite the polarizing opinions surrounding his name, I’ve always held a soft spot for him. My interest in politics began around the same time Mulroney was running for the leadership of the PC party. Growing up with Pierre Trudeau as the leader, there was a sense of fatigue and a hope for a fresh face in Canadian politics. Mulroney’s youth, charisma, and optimism appealed to me and millions of other Canadians, leading to his party’s historic majority government in 1984.

The Toronto Star: ‘Mr. Mulroney never stopped working for Canadians’: Former prime minister’s death prompts outpouring of reflection

The controversial appointment of Brian Mulroney as a Companion of the Order of Canada, citing public disapproval and raising concerns about the criteria for recognizing retired prime ministers in the nation's highest civilian award

July 16, 1998

Throughout Mulroney’s tenure, I closely followed his successes and failures, viewing it as a case study during my years of interest in political science. I vividly remember the smaller scandal stories involving his problem cabinet ministers like Bob Coates, in change Canada’s Defence who had a penchant for visiting strip joints on foreign missions; John Fraser in charge of Fisheries and forced to quit over the infamous ‘Tunagate”; Suzanne Blais-Grenier, a low level minister whose spendy ways led to her removal; and Sinclair Stevens worn down and disgraced by a scandal over business holdings that lead to charges of a conflict of interest that he was years later cleared of. Mulroney’s team spawned many personalities who went on to greater fame, in particular, a NL Lieutenant-Governor in  John Crosbie, and Premiers of Quebec, Lucien Bouchard, and Jean Charest. There were several other heavyweights in Mulroney’s cabinet who already had honed executive skills, like former PC leader Joe Clark, and brighter members from his team like Flora MacDonald (Canada’s first female Foreign Minister), Perrin Beatty (later head of the CBC), Michael Wilson (later ambassador to the USA), Ray Hnatyshyn (later Governor-General), Erik Neisen (the crusty brother of comedian Leslie – how cool I thought that was), former Toronto mayor David Crombie, and even an old Diefenbaker Minister George Hees.  Check the list below to see how it’s all turned out for Mulroney’s first cabinet (…and for the really nerdy politics buffs, check up on Pierre Trudeau’s cabinet where are they now feature.)

It became evident that regardless of cabinet or his own actions, Brian Mulroney would always be despised by a certain sector of the population. Some criticize him for issues like the GST, selling out Canada to free trade, or the Airbus affair. I distinctly recall the ire he raised for daring to wear Gucci shoes, a bit of ostentation that pales by comparison to that which is on display by politicians of the present. That, and paper bags full of cash will be the only defining tokens of Mulroney’s legacy. However, others, including myself, recognize his early understanding of and actions against climate change, as well as his influential relationships with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, which played a crucial role in pressuring the apartheid regime in South Africa.

December 10, 2013

In retrospect, considering the Prime Ministers who followed him, Mulroney’s achievements stand out, and his dedication to the betterment of the country is evident in his legacy. It’s difficult for many Canadians to let go of their allegiances to one Prime Minister while despising the other. However, both Mulroney and Pierre Trudeau left significant legacies for the country. Trudeau gave Canada the Charter of Rights, and Mulroney brought forth free trade. Both had their successes and failures on the economic front and impacted national unity. Decades before Justin Trudeau proclaimed himself the “feminist Prime Minister” and prioritized elevating women to his cabinet, Brian Mulroney quietly and significantly surpassed his predecessor Trudeau by shattering the glass ceiling, achieving a notable increase in female representation well beyond the initial two appointed by Pierre Trudeau.

15yr old me on the right

I met Mulroney a couple of times. My first encounter was at a rally in 1984 when I was just a nerdy 15 years old. Myself a few friends rode our bicycles across Hamilton to catch a glimpse of him. He exuded the same charm and charisma that I had seen in newspapers and on TV. I shook his hand, had a group photo taken, and listened to his speech about unemployment and the deficit. It was an inspiration to witness firsthand.

The New York Times: Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister Who Led Canada Into NAFTA, Dies at 84

Years later, in 2007, I attended a talk and book signing session by Mulroney. He looked good and spoke about his life with his familiar self-deprecating humour and blarney. These experiences further solidified my respect for him.

During my post-secondary school years in Ottawa, I studied political science and had a front-row seat to the theatre of politics, with the Peace Tower visible from my residence window. It was during this time that Brian Mulroney was in charge, and I often observed the behind-the-scenes dynamics during question period from the visitors’ gallery. Before fading from memory, there stood a determined lone protester who, for years, positioned himself daily near the limo drop-off area at the western corner of the Centre Block on Parliament Hill during Question Period, passionately shouting phrases such as “Lyin’ Brian” and “impeach Mulroney” at the top of his lungs. I know there’s a recorded name and back story to that persistent fellow, but from what I can’t see, it seems to elude the Internet.

The very first Alas & Alack, Sept 1989

In those years, I also drew a cartoon strip called Alas & Alack, which featured Mulroney and his cabinet in a medieval monarchical system. It was a lighthearted way to satirize and comment on the political landscape at the time.

As I grew older and worked as an editorial cartoonist, I saw Mulroney stumble with the Airbus affair but also witnessed his efforts to repair his legacy. He continued to advise and inspire politicians, including his own daughter Caroline, who sits in the cabinet in Ontario.

Looking back on Brian Mulroney’s legacy, it is clear that he was a giant in Canadian history. While opinions may differ on his achievements and shortcomings, there is no denying the impact he had on the country. It may be a long time before we see leaders like Mulroney and Trudeau again, and their legacies will continue to shape Canada for generations to come.

Chronology of my Mulroney cartoons

May 18, 2022 – Battle of the Conservatives: Jean Charest leads the Mulroney forces while Poilievre leads the Harper forces

September 14, 2018 – Brian Mulroney blames Justin’s dad for Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership hopeful behaviour 

February 3, 2018 – Caroline Mulroney is overshadowed by dad’s legacy preservation efforts

December 3, 2015 – Rona Ambrose receives advice on how to attract progressives

August 25, 2015 – Crowned Canadian Prime Ministers features insulated Stephen Harper

December 10, 2013 – Stephen Harper and former Prime Ministers unite for Nelson Mandela memorial

July 15, 2009* – Jean Chretien sweeps Queen Elizabeth off her feet to much head scratching from the Prime Ministers club

May 22, 2009* – Brian Mulroney leaves public life a la Richard Nixon

May 14, 2009* – Ruby Dhalla’s testimony is more popular than Brian Mulroney’s

May 12, 2009* – Brian Mulroney and Karlheinz Schreiber do battle…again

April 10, 2009* – Ignatieff Easter Bunny has treats for Mulroney, but not Harper

April 7, 2009 – Stephen Harper is pinned by Mulroney statue after reform attempt

December 14, 2007* – Jean Chretien and Brian Mulroney have inverted statues

December 12, 2007* – House Ethics Committee ready for Brian Mulroney

December 5, 2007* – Karlheinz Schreiber celebrated as much as Brian Mulroney hated

November 29, 2007* – Karlheinz Schreiber to give hard-hitting testimony

November 15, 2007* – Brian Mulroney on bottom of investigation pile-on

November 14, 2007* – The Brian Mulroney $300,000 bank note

November 12, 2007* – Brian Mulroney is considered a bio-hazard

November 6, 2007* – Brian Mulroney, King Tut, and crumbling legacies

November 12, 2007* – Stephen Harper unzips mouth to announce review of Mulroney allegations

September 7, 2007 – Not So Great Debates: Brian Mulroney vs. Pierre E. Trudeau

March 18, 2006* – Where Former Prime Ministers go to retire

April 22, 2005 – Prime Ministerial addresses and their own ‘National Circus’

August 11, 2003* – Brian Mulroney considers crossing burnt bridge to USA for BSE talks

December 11, 2002 – NAFTA at 10 years old

June 13, 2000 – Mulroney drives through Joe Clark’s effort to rebuild the old Progressive Conservative Party

July 10, 1998 – Alan Eagleson awarding Mulroney the Order of Canada

June 16, 1998 – The appointment of Brian Mulroney as a Companion of the Order of Canada

November 19, 1997 – The RCMP terrorizing Mulroney

(* link to old website)

24th Canadian Ministry – Who’s still kicking around, and who’s not…As of March 2, 2024

Brian Mulroney (1938-2024): Prime Minister

George Hees (1910-1996): Veterans affairs; MP, 1950-88; Diefenbaker cabinet minister

Duff Roblin (1917-2010): Senate Government Leader, Manitoba Premier 1958-67

Joe Clark (b.1939): External Affairs; fmr. PM ; fmr. PC leader 1998-2003

Flora MacDonald (1926-2015): Employment & Immigration

Erik Nielsen (1924-2008): Deputy PM, Privy Council President; MP, 1957-87; brother of comedian Leslie Nielsen

John Crosbie (1931-2020): Justice, Attorney-General; NL Lieu. Gov. 2008-13

Roch LaSalle (1928-2007): Public Works

Don Mazankowski (1935-2020): Transport

Elmer MacKay (b.1936): Solicitor General; Father to Peter MacKay; fmr. PC leader

Jake Epp (b.1939): Health & Welfare

John Fraser (b.1931): Fisheries & Oceans

Sinclair Stevens (1927-2016): Regional Industrial Expansion

John Wise (1935-2013): Agriculture

Ray Hnatyshyn (1934-2002): Government House Leader; Governor-General

David Crombie (b.1936): Indian Affairs, Northern Development

Robert René de Cotret (1944-1999): Treasury Board

Perrin Beatty (b.1950): Revenue; Pres. CEO CBC

Michael Wilson (1937-2019): Finance; Cdn Ambassador to USA 2006-09

Robert Coates (1928-2016): Defence; MP 1957-88

Jack Murta (b.1943): Multiculturalism

Harvie Andre (1940-2012): Supply & Services

Otto Jelinek (b.1940): Fitness & Amateur Sport

Tom Siddon (b.1941): Science & Technology

Charles Mayer (b.1936): Wheat Board

Bill McKnight (1940-2019): Labour

Walter McLean (b.1936): Secretary of State

Tom McMillan (b.1945): Tourism

Pat Carney (1935-2023): Energy; Senator 1990-2008

André Bissonnette (b.1945): Small Business

Suzanne Blais-Grenier (1936-2017): Environment

Benoit Bouchard (b.1940): Minister of State for Transport

Andrée Champagne (1939-2020): Youth

Michel Côté (b.1942): Consumer & Corporate Affairs

James Kelleher (1930-2013): International Trade

Bob Layton (1925-2002): Mines; Father to fmr NDP leader Jack Layton

Marcel Masse (1936-2014): Communications

Barbara McDougall (b.1937): Minister of State for Finance

Gerald Merrithew (1931-2004): Forestry

Monique Vézina (b.1935): External Relations

Posted in: Canada Tagged: “I had no option”, 1984, 2024-05, Brian Mulroney, Canada, death, Ed Broadbent, history, incivility, Jagmeet Singh, John Turner, Justin Trudeau, Obit, pearly gates, Pierre Poilievre, Prime Minister

Wednesday September 7, 2022

September 7, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

September 7, 2022

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday September 7, 2022

*An animated making-of clip may be found here may be found here. 

Why Some People Think Theresa May’s Easy Question For Liz Truss Was Not A Win After All

January 18, 2019

Theresa May riled up the Tory benches during PMQs when she asked Liz Truss why all female prime ministers have come from the Conservative Party.

It was Truss’ first PMQs as the prime minister, but May – who was prime minister herself between 2016 and 2019 – already seems to have taken to Truss more than she ever took to Boris Johnson.

Speaking on Wednesday, May said: “May I congratulate my right-honourable friend and may I congratulate her in her position as the third female prime minister of the United Kingdom.

“Can I ask my right honourable friend, why does she think it is that all three female prime ministers have been Conservative?”

April 9, 2013

A wave of jeering then broke out from the Tory benches, while the camera flashed to May sitting back down, looking particularly pleased with herself.

It’s worth noting that when May confirming she would be stepping down in 2019, she closed her speech by pointing out that she was “the second female prime minister – but certainly not the last”.

Back in PMQs, Truss smiled, and replied: “I thank my right honourable friend for her fantastic question, and I look forward to calling on her advice from her time in office as I start my work as prime minister.

“It is quite extraordinary isn’t it, that there doesn’t seem to be the ability in the Labour Party to find a female leader, or indeed a leader who doesn’t come from north London.

“I don’t know what it is, I don’t know what the issue is!”

The issue has been a sore spot for Labour for several years, particularly after several women stood for the leadership role back in 2020, and none of them were elected.

July 13, 2022

Truss has also appointed the most diverse cabinet in history, with not a single white man occupying any of the three great offices of state of home secretary, foreign secretary or chancellor of the Exchequer.

These roles have gone to Suella Braverman, James Cleverly, and Kwasi Kwarteng, who all cracked up at May’s observation about Labour’s leadership.

But, the easy question – which took aim at the Labour Party who were still leading in the polls in August – dodges the actual crises facing the UK right now.

Truss’ in-tray is most likely overflowing, due to the energy crisis, the climbing cost of living, inflation, the war in Ukraine and the collapsing NHS.

Critics of the Conservatives were also quick to point out that it was, of course, easier for the Tories to appoint a female leader, as they have had four since 2016.

July 24, 2019

Still, May’s soft approach shows already that she shares more cordial relations with Truss compared to Johnson, even though she was often dubbed Johnson’s continuity candidate in the Tory leadership race.

May and Johnson clashed repeatedly throughout both of their premierships, particularly over Brexit and partygate.

In January, May hit out at the then-prime minister for breaching Covid rules, telling the Commons: “Nobody is above the law.

“This is important for ensuring the necessary degree of trust between the public and Government.

“Like so many, I was angry to hear stories of those in Number 10, who are responsible for setting the coronavirus rules, not properly following the rules.” (Huffington Post)  

Posted in: International Tagged: 2022-29, animation, bookends, Boris Johnson, Downing Street, Great Britain, history, leadership, Liz Truss, Prime Minister, procreate, Theresa May, UK, women

Wednesday May 18, 2022

May 18, 2022 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday May 18, 2022

Conservative Party leadership race divides along Harper, Mulroney lines

Nov. 12, 2007

Stephen Harper and Brian Mulroney are at war again over the future of the Conservative Party.

While neither former prime minister has said so publicly, everyone knows Mr. Harper opposes the efforts of former Quebec premier Jean Charest to become Conservative leader, while Mr. Mulroney is a Charest supporter.

Mr. Harper speaks to a conservatism that supports lower taxes and balanced budgets, that places a lower priority on fighting climate change than on developing oil and gas. As leader, he paid careful attention to the needs of Western voters.

Mr. Mulroney’s supporters place a stronger emphasis on environmental issues and are less dogmatic on taxes and deficits. As leader, Mr. Mulroney paid careful attention to the needs of Quebec.

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2022-17, Alberta, alt right, battle, Brian Mulroney, Canada, confederate, Conservative, convoy, Jean Charest, Justin Trudeau, Pierre Poilievre, Prime Minister, Progressive, Quebec, Stephen Harper

Wednesday October 27, 2021

October 27, 2021 by Graeme MacKay

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday October 27, 2021

That’s enough, Jean Chrétien

Jean Chretien Cartoon Gallery

The former Indian Affairs Minister has had decades to ponder his failings. It’s not clear he even understands what the residential schools were.

“This problem was never mentioned when I was minister. Never.”

This was Jean Chrétien’s response on Radio-Canada’s Tout le monde en parle Sunday night when asked about the abuse of Indigenous children at residential schools when he was minister of Indian Affairs from 1968 to 1974. It might even be true: Maybe none of his underlings bothered telling him. Alas, that can’t save 87-year-old Teflon Jean this time. If he didn’t know it, he bloody well should have.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission report records that in 1970, Jacques Serre, a child-care worker at the Anglican residential school in La Tuque, Que., advised Chrétien’s Indian Affairs ministry in writing that another employee had “taken liberties (with a student) in the presence of a third party.” The ministry asked its Quebec director to look into it, but no one even bothered tracking down the alleged victim, who had left the school.

A year later the La Tuque school’s administrator, Jean Bonnard, called the gendarmes over his suspicions that another child-care worker was conducting “certain ‘activities’ of a sexual nature” with his charges. Bonnard duly informed Indian Affairs of this. The police interviewed four boys, concluding the behaviour had “been going on for some time,” and then nothing happened.

June 2, 2021

Not only was the La Tuque school Chrétien’s responsibility as minister of Indian Affairs. It was in his riding.

In the early 1970s, Chrétien’s ministry received at least four complaints from the Catholic St. Anne’s residential school in Fort Albany, Ont., including of physical assault and of at least one teacher keeping “guns and live ammunition in class to scare the students.” This week, NDP MP Charlie Angus produced a letter from a teacher at St. Anne’s addressed directly to Chrétien, complaining of a “prejudicial attitude” among staff members to the Indigenous people of the community.

The Truth and Reconciliation report records the case of Harry Joseph, an employee at the Anglican residential school in Alert Bay, B.C., who in 1970 pleaded guilty to indecent assault after having been fired for having “interfered with two other girls by removing (their) bed covers and fondling them.”

November 9, 2018

Perhaps this news never made it down the telegraph to Ottawa. But it was the ministry itself that cashiered child-care worker Claude Frappier from his position at the Catholic residential school in Whitehorse in 1970 — though it didn’t bother informing the victims’ parents or the police. (Frappier was belatedly convicted in 1990 on 13 counts of sexual assault on boys aged eight to 11.)

The Truth and Reconciliation report records the case of Harry Joseph, an employee at the Anglican residential school in Alert Bay, B.C., who in 1970 pleaded guilty to indecent assault after having been fired for having “interfered with two other girls by removing (their) bed covers and fondling them.”

PM Merch

Perhaps this news never made it down the telegraph to Ottawa. But it was the ministry itself that cashiered child-care worker Claude Frappier from his position at the Catholic residential school in Whitehorse in 1970 — though it didn’t bother informing the victims’ parents or the police. (Frappier was belatedly convicted in 1990 on 13 counts of sexual assault on boys aged eight to 11.) (Continued: The National Post) 

 

Posted in: Canada Tagged: 2021-35, Canada, glorification, indigenous, Jean Chretien, John A. Macdonald, legacy, Prime Minister, residential schools, Sir John A. MacDonald, statue, truth and reconciliation

Statues… and Prime Ministers, Presidents and Monarchs

August 10, 2020 by Graeme MacKay

(Graeme is currently enjoying a Summertime respite from his usual duties drawing editorial cartoons. In the meantime, please enjoy this illustration highlight of things on offer for purchase through his Redbubble online shop. Graeme’s daily satire returns on September 1, 2020.)

June 12, 2020

Statues are getting pulled down on past leaders because the bronze cast honour bestowed upon them are based on long ago glorification among long dead elites, whose decisions and actions are offensive to modern day sensibilities. Those dead elites aren’t around anymore to keep their idols polished, nor the narratives about them sanitized.  One might argue our ancestors and their leaders had thoughts and outlooks antithetical to our own, and it’s important to know the good AND the bad about them.

Sir John A. button

Canada’s Prime Minister gets acclaim and respect for his role in the formation of the nation, yet Sir John A. Macdonald‘s government also enacted a racist head tax to prevent Chinese people from entering after the completion of the CPR, as in the much celebrated “iron road runnin’ from the sea to the sea“. This after 17,000 labourers from China were brought in to accomplish Macdonald’s dream of a cross country railway. 

Jeffersonian Clock

A great Founding Father, the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, gets acclaim for being the principal architect of the Declaration of Independence and penned the statement “all men are created equal”. This, despite owning 600 African slaves over his lifetime as a wealthy landowner.

King John Magnet

The Magna Carta is a royal charter of rights sealed with the stamp of approval by England’s King John in 1215. To this day it’s a celebrated omnibus act that brought about many reforms including guaranteed access to swift justice and the trial by jury system. King John himself was a man of dubious character, with many mistresses, illegitimate children, and not a lot of morals. His accepting of the Great Charter was essentially a gesture to quell rebellion from barons who were sick and tired of his reckless behaviour, incompetence, and disastrous military conquests.

Interpretations of historical figures change with every generation with broader cross sections of cultures increasingly deliberating on legacies from the past. Taking down statues does not erase history but it does destroy the blind glorification aspect of figures from our past. Taking down statues in public squares removes insult to injury aspect of glorification that has shown to continue to this day. 

The dictator magnet

Political power is something I’ve always held a great interest in observing. Whether it’s hereditary, oligarchy, or democracy, to view how the cream rises to the top is a very fascinating thing indeed.

I grew up in Canada, and when I was young and well aware that we had a Prime Minister and a Queen representing the highest offices in the nation, it was what I saw south of the border that I realized the power and influence of Presidents went global in significance. From the chronologies of humble beginnings, the pursuits of power, the victories, the challenges, the familiar trappings of office, the mystiques, and the legacies defining a period of time on this planet’s history, it made me wonder what it took to become President of the United States.

The Presidential placemat available on 70+ products

I embarked on learning about the Presidents, courtesy of my family’s World Book Encyclopedia, which had wonderful profiles of every one of them complete with full page portraits. It was my introduction to the familiar placemat style of chart showing each U.S. President, which I recall spanned from George Washington to James E. Carter. Every night before dinner I’d flip through pages, and commit all their names to memory.

Alas, not being American made me unqualified to ever hold that position. So, I looked closer to home and studied Canada’s Prime Ministers. That naturally led to an interest in history, and politics, which paved the way to university life in the nation’s capital, and finally, editorial cartooning.

Placemat Prime Ministers on a pillow & available on 70+ products

In 2014, I embarked on an experiment to cater to a niche audience interested in Canadian Prime Ministers. Fortunately, I live in a young country with half the number of leaders compared to the United States. My drawings have seen some nice sales, with my most popular drawing being the rather obscure and short lived in-between Prime Minister, Sir Charles Tupper. Perhaps people are enamoured by his impressive sideburn chops!

Full figured Presidents

My caricatures of Presidents have seen a bigger number of sales since posting them back in 2015. Based on sales, the earlier Presidents enjoy greater popularity than the newer ones.  George Washington, John Quincy Adams and Theodore Roosevelt are among the most popular. The President whose caricature has garnered the most sales is Lyndon Johnson. Out the blue I’ll see an order made for a child’s sized t-shirt with a full bodied caricature of, say, Chester A. Arthur, and wonder what the story is behind that sort of purchase (a man, by the way, who arguably possessed the most handsome mutton chops of all Presidents.)


My latest series is the Kings and Queens of England. Another fascination I have for the history that the monarchy is steeped in, which I’ll have more to say in the next entry.

My caricatures on products are designed to stir a bit of fun, interest, and reflection on the pursuit of history knowledge. Whether they’re on t-shirts, or socks, cups or coasters, they’re a little reminder of the interesting characters who’ve shaped history. If you love history, or know someone who does, these are great ways to express that passion.

Just remember, unlike a statue, you can toss a t-shirt in the laundry basket, rather than roll it into a nearby harbour.

 

 

 

Posted in: Redbubble Tagged: boutique, history, King, merch, merchandise, President, Prime Minister, queen, Redbubble
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This website contains satirical commentaries of current events going back several decades. Some readers may not share this sense of humour nor the opinions expressed by the artist. To understand editorial cartoons it is important to understand their effectiveness as a counterweight to power. It is presumed readers approach satire with a broad minded foundation and healthy knowledge of objective facts of the subjects depicted.

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