Discover the life and work of Carl Giles, one of Britain's best-loved cartoonists, whose sharp wit and unforgettable characters captured the humour and contradictions of everyday British life. Art historian Barry Venning explores how Giles used his famous Grandma Giles and her family to poke fun at authority, reflect changing times and entertain generations of readers.

Carl Giles was one of Britain's most popular and influential cartoonists, celebrated for his distinctive humour, memorable characters and wonderfully observant portrayal of British life.

At the heart of his cartoons was the formidable Grandma Giles, a black-clad, sharp-tongued character whose antics allowed Giles to express opinions he was often too polite to voice himself. Through her, he poked fun at everyone from politicians and public officials to his own employers at the Daily Express.

Admired by figures including Prince Charles, Sir Malcolm Sargent and Tommy Cooper, Giles was voted Britain's best-loved cartoonist in 2000. Yet behind his gentle humour lay a remarkable personal history, including his experiences as a war correspondent who witnessed the liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

In this entertaining and thought-provoking lecture, Barry Venning explores the life, times and extraordinary legacy of a cartoonist whose work captured half a century of British society, combining satire, compassion and an unmistakable common touch.

Lecturer: Barry Venning 

Barry Venning is an art historian, lecturer and writer whose interests span late medieval European art to contemporary global art. He has published books, articles and exhibition essays on Turner, Constable and European landscape painting, alongside research into British visual satire and postcolonial art.

He is a consultant and associate lecturer for the Open University and has contributed to BBC television documentaries, radio programmes and a DVD on Turner for Tate.

Date: Friday 16th July 2027
Time: 10:30 am
Venue: The Rufus Centre, Steppingley Rd, Flitwick, Bedford MK45 1AH

Please arrive a little earlier to allow time to check in and be seated before the lecture begins.

We look forward to welcoming you.