September 21–November 17, 2024
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is thrilled to present Ralph STEADman: INKling this autumn. This exciting new exhibition will give both dedicated Steadman fans, as well as the uninitiated, the chance to see the varied and distinctive sides of his remarkable work and career.
See the illustrations of some of the greatest novels of all time
Ralph Steadman has illustrated some of the greatest British novels of all time, including Treasure Island, Alice in Wonderland and Animal Farm. A selection of these incredible and award-winning works will be on display, showcasing his mastery of the line and his ability to capture in an image what words alone could never achieve.
Showcasing over six decades of artwork
Over six decades, Steadman has collaborated with writers and poets on scores of children’s books, as well as writing and illustrating his own. The exhibition introduces the viewer to a selection of these, providing the opportunity to witness firsthand the changing and developing style of the artist’s work over the course of his lifetime. The pieces are charming and whimsical, demonstrating Steadman’s energetic and joyous approach to his work, his love of the ridiculous and his childlike sense of wonder and imagination.
Gonzovation work
For over a decade, Steadman has been collaborating with filmmaker and conservationist Ceri Levy. The Gonzovation collection, which now numbers over 300 original artworks, dates back to 2011 when Levy approached Steadman, a childhood hero, to produce an artwork of an extinct bird, for a planned exhibition, Ghost of Gone Birds, to highlight the extinction of so many species of our feathered friends. Steadman found that he could not stop once he had started drawing the lost birds, and eventually created over 100 which would become the first book in the Gonzovation Trilogy. Nextinction followed, focussing on critically endangered birds, and then Critical Critters completed the trilogy, highlighting the plight of endangered animals. INKling presents an enticing glimpse of the colour and vitality of the full collection.
Discover Ralph Steadman’s famous collaborations and inspirations
The exhibition also focuses on Steadman’s collaboration and friendship with Hunter S. Thompson, his Gonzo compadre. Several original portraits of the Gonzo journalist are on display, including a silk screen print of arguably his most famous portrait, Vintage Dr Gonzo, from Hunter’s cult classic novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Also featured is an homage to Guernica, the masterpiece by Steadman’s creative hero, Picasso. Inspired by the tragic artwork, Gonzo Guernica is a silk screen tryptic printed by Kentucky-based master-printer, Joe Petro III.
Heroes and influences
Most of us have our own sources of inspiration, and for Ralph Steadman, artists like George Grosz, Marcel Duchamp, and Pablo Picasso have been significant influences throughout his career. Picasso’s impact on Steadman’s work is particularly evident in his creative projects.
In 1988, inspired by Picasso’s practice of creating extensive series of artworks, Steadman embarked on a challenge to produce 547 pieces in just five months, surpassing Picasso’s famed series, “The 347 Suite.” Steadman proved successful in his ambitious endeavour, showcasing the intensity of his dedication to his craft.
Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust is pleased to showcase a curated collection of 15 of Steadman’s pieces from this project, alongside two Picasso etchings, on loan from Pallant House Gallery, Chichester (Le Chardonneret [The Goldfinch], 1942–43) and The Courtauld, London (Samuel Courtauld Trust) (Drinking Minotaur and Reclining Woman, 1933).
Limited time only
Only available for a limited time from September 21 to November 17, 2024, Ralph STEADman: INKling is included with an entry ticket to The Historic Dockyard Chatham.
