Exhibition: Wit’s End: The Satirical Cartoons of Stephen Roth

‘Wit's End: The Satirical Cartoons of Stephen Roth' will feature original drawings by political cartoonist Stephen Roth.

Stephen Roth was a prolific Czech artist whose cartoons lampooned fascist dictators and put a wry spin on political events during the Second World War. Prior to the Nazi invasion of Czechoslovakia, Roth immigrated to London where he remained the rest of his life contributing pieces to English newspapers. Roth's striking pen and ink style was so instantly recognisable that he rapidly gained a cult following. Working under the pen name ‘Stephen', Roth published several books of cartoons. However, since his death in 1967, Roth has passed into relative obscurity. ‘His cartoons are widely admired and enjoyed by connoisseurs,' says the exhibition's curator Dr Toby Simpson, ‘and this exhibition is a great opportunity for the public to rediscover Roth's biting sense of humour.'

The Wiener Library's unique art collection includes several Roth originals, complete with corrections and captions written in the artists' hand. These remarkable drawings are given pride of place in this new exhibition, alongside Roth's books and artwork by some of his contemporaries.

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The Wiener Library is open to the public five days a week free of charge.  Visitors should ring the bell to be let in.