London can now invite it’s guests to a new museum recently opened in Little Russell Street - the Cartoon Centre, which changed it’s location thanks to a fundraising appeal launched this summer. The museum presents about 1,200 cartoons and is officially patronized by the Duke of Edinburgh. The collection is really an impressive one, as it covers the 250-year-old history of cartoons, representing different styles and ideas. There are classic works by the satirist Gillray, such as the Plum Pudding and John Bull taking a luncheon, works by many present-day and old newspapers, and even such rare exhibits as artworks from the Beano, the Dandy and Topper, including Billy the Whizz and Desperate Dan. Also you will find a reference library of some 3,000 books and classes for children and adults, who want to try their hands at caricaturing as well. The museum is a special interest and is an important contribution to the development of this art as, according to the Chairman of the Cartoon Museum Oliver Preston, in past cartoons were not treated as art at all. Also, this is a very good example of English humour, which can be seen through various themes.

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