The Priaulx Library is launching its annual garden exhibition, which this year features cartoons and caricatures with a humorous and satirical theme.

The exhibition aims to showcase rarely seen treasures from the Library’s archive, including works that poke fun at local celebrities, provide social and political commentary, and highlight that humour has always been present in Guernsey life. 

  • Pictured; (Christmas 1972), An illustration by Alan Guppy, (Image Courtesy of the Priaulx Library).
  • Pictured; An illustration by Alan Guppy, (Image Courtesy of the Priaulx Library).

Chief Librarian Sue Laker noted that the topics covered, such as inflation, roadworks, relations with Europe, and States’ spending, will still resonate with islanders today.

“Choosing a theme is something the team loves doing and we love to see people enjoying the exhibition. Our archive is full of satire and silliness which poke fun at local celebrities, provide social and political commentary and show that in even in the darkest of times, Guernsey men and women still liked to laugh”.

Ms Laker continued: “What we think people will particularly enjoy is that concerns about inflation, roadworks, relations with Europe and even questionable States’ spending, resonate down the decades.  We look forward to welcoming islanders and tourists to the Priaulx Library over the summer and thank Titan Wealth for its long-standing support.”

Artwork from former titles like Radical Island Press, Chit-Chat, and Guernsey Attic Press will be on display, alongside work by Alan Guppy, known for his good-humoured commentary on 1970s political issues in the Guernsey Evening Press.

The exhibition, which is free to attend, (although donations are encouraged), runs until early September. This marks the 12th exhibition supported by Titan Wealth, and their first under their new brand, (formerly Ravenscroft). 

Robin Newbould, CEO of Titan Wealth, expressed excitement for the exhibition’s ability to amuse.

“This is the 12th exhibition we have supported although our first as Titan Wealth. We want to thank the incredible Priaulx Library team for all their hard work and hope visitors find the cartoons, caricatures and captions both amusing and interesting. We’re sure that some of the topics covered will resonate with islanders today as much as they did decades ago.”