A CENTURY OF SATIRE EXHIBITION AT THE STATE LIBRARY

The world’s first association of newspaper artists now known as cartoonists was formed in Sydney in July 1924. This year the Australian Cartoonists Association celebrates its 100th birthday.

Originally known as the Australian Society of Black and White artists, it was formed by artists working on newspapers such as Smith’s Weekly, the Bulletin and the Daily Guardian. The Club’s founding President was Cecil Hartt and fellow artists George Finer, Stan Cross, Gayfield Shaw and Mick Paul were some of the earliest members.

The exhibition, through Australian humour and satire, reveals long forgotten political battles and enduring issues that still resonate today; cost of living challenges, war, corruption, and also gags and puns. A century on, cartoonists continue the democratic tradition of direct, powerful commentary.