The exhibition with a political message

by Daniel Scagnelli

If you need a break from a the rush of Christmas shoppers on Oxford Street, then why not see some art  at the Political Cartoon Gallery round the corner?

A series of David Cameron cartoons are now on show at the gallery on 32 Store Street, which is a stones throw away from Goodge Street Tube Station.

This current exhibition runs until December 22 with entry being only £1, refundable if you spend £1 or more in the gift shop.

In this small gallery, which is no bigger than a shop, you will find a collection of political cartoons that don’t pull any punches.

All the caricatures have been published in the mainstream press over the past couple of years and when you see them so close together you will get an idea of the collective artists’ feeling towards David Cameron.

Political messages

In Adam Teal’s drawing, a large David Cameron is on a beach - resembling Brighton - assuming a messiah-like pose, surrounded by miniature Tories praising him. Is he the Tory golden boy who can’t do any wrong?

A powerful image, drawn by Sloth, is David Cameron on his own with a hint of Princess Diana about him, trademark haircut and blue dress. Is Cameron the new people’s icon?

Ingrim Pinn of the Financial Times, has on display a drawing of Alistair Darling throwing a time bomb, which had many sticks of dynamite, and the person about to catch it is David Cameron.

This cartoon is obviously referring to the difficult financial decisions that have to be made regarding taxation and the country's deficit.

Another strong image is that of Barack Obama being centre stage with the spotlight firmly on him, to the right of stage is Gordon Brown falling through a trap door and in the back stage shadow is a lurking David Cameron.

This is a Peter Shrank's piece from the Independent and costs a whopping £445.

Then, a Cameron in blue shorts is pictured in a boxing ring knocking out a red shorted Gordon Brown in Andrew Davey’s drawing.

The general concept behind most of the cartoons is that Mr Cameron will probably come to power in the next general election, although the belief is he has no real substance.

In fact, as one picture showed, Mr Cameron is full of hot air with an enormous head but if you prick his image the head will pop and you’ll be left with an empty head looking like a flat volleyball.

If you do see something you want to bring home then make sure you bring your cheque-book to the exhibition. You won’t find a drawing for under £225.