Chris Madden Cartoons

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  • Historical crimes against contemporary social values – wokeness cartoon

    politically correct and woke culture cartoon

    Being accused of historical crimes against contemporary social values.

    This cartoon is about the tendency within parts of contemporary culture, especially woke culture, to criticise people for attitudes that they held in the past that are now thought of (within those parts of contemporary culture) to be reprehensible.
    These attitudes may be ones that are generally agreed to be outdated or they may be ones that are
    A cartoon about wokeness, political correctness, moral purity, Orwellian attitudes, political purity, social values, contemporary mores, intolerance, tolerance, thought crime.

    Drawn:1st Aug 2020
    Cartoon reference number: a827
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  • Notre-Dame Fire Restoration Fund/Sackler boycott cartoon

    Notre Dame fire restoration fund cartoon

    Notre-Dame fire restoration fund/Sackler boycott cartoon.
    (Drawn on the night of the fire, before the actual donations controversy that followed.)

    15 April 2019.
    This is a cartoon that deliberately links two current news stories: the restoration of Notre-Dame cathedral following the devastating fire and the boycotting of funding from the Sackler family charitable trusts.
    The cartoon was drawn on the evening of the fire, and predates the controversy about the donations from large businesses that developed in the following days.
    The cartoon is primarily about the current controversy in some western societies concerning the assumed ethical standards of the donors who contribute funds to institutions such as art galleries and religious buildings.

    The Sackler family are major benefactors to many institutions. Only a week ago I was in Westminster Abbey in London where I noticed their name on a recently restored stained glass window to which I assume they had contributed funding.
    However, the Sackler family own Purdue Pharma, a company that produces the prescription painkiller OxyContin that is said to be addictive. Thus there are calls to boycott any charitable funding offered by the Sackler family.
    Of course the Sackler family are far from being the only donors to charitable causes who may be involved in supposedly tainted money. It could possibly be argued that any organisation that had enough money to distribute in such lavish ways must have come about it by somewhat dubious means, depending on one’s standards.
    Cartoon reference number: a769

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  • Brexit anxiety as a displacement for global warming anxiety

    Brexit anxiety as a displacement for climate change anxiety

    Brexit and climate change cartoon

    A cartoon about the way that the all-encompassing concentration on Brexit is preventing people from being concerned about climate change and global warming

    This cartoon first appeared in Private Eye, January 2019.

    Cartoon reference number: a768

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  • Donald Trump caricature – hair as flames or fire

    trump caricature hair fire or flames

    Donald Trump caricature as a match with flames as hair.

    The cartoon shows Donald Trump as a match. His hair as fire or flames symbolises his aggressive personality and his effect on US politics.
    Part of his political strategy is in fanning the flames of discontent.

    Caricature drawn: 2018

     

    Cartoon reference number: a765

     

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  • Scottish independence campaign cartoon

    Scottish independence referendum

    A cartoon that pokes fun at the way that the SNP (Scottish Nationalist Party) and its leader Nicola Sturgeon like to blame their woes on the English.

    This cartoon ws published in Private Eye magazine, April 2017.
    Cartoon drawn: March 2017
    Cartoon reference: a762
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  • The “post truth” society

    Cartoon about ignoring the truth in favour of prejudice

    Post truth cartoon or conspiracy theory cartoon.

    Truth and facts being ignored in favour of emotional or prejudiced viewpoints.

    The concept of ignoring the facts when reaching a decision about something, and letting the heart rather than the head rule, seems to be a phenomenon that’s on the rise. It has recently been labelled ‘post truth’.
    In the cartoon I’ve linked it to the phenomenon of conspiracy theories, which are frequently used as a way of justifying irrational or unproven ideas.
    The rise of post truth tendencies is said to be linked to people’s increasing use of social media via phones and electronic media and the tendency for internet algorithms to send people only information that they already agree with – however the tendency has always been there in the way that people purchase newspapers that agree with their political and other views.
    It may also be linked to the current mistrust of experts.
    Cartoon reference number: a756

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  • The blaming of the working class by the middle class for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump

    The blaming of the working class by the middle class for Brexit and the election of Trump

    The blaming of the working class by the middle class for Brexit and the election of Trump

    The cartoon shows a middle class man accusing a working class man of prejudiced bigotry, oblivious to the fact that he himself is being a prejudiced bigot.

    Cartoon reference number: a754

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  • How did you vote in the Brexit referendum, Daddy?

    Brexit cartoon - How did you vote daddy?

    A cartoon showing a man who is regretting voting for Britain to leave the EU in the 2016 referendum.

    The image is partly a comment on the extreme criticism of ‘leave’ voters by those who voted to stay in the EU.

    Based on the WW1 recruitment poster “Daddy, what did YOU do in the Great War?”

    This cartoon was published in The Penguin Book of Brexit Cartoons, 2018.

    Cartoon reference number: a746
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  • Brexit cartoon – the winds of change

    Brexit cartoon Union flag in person's face

    Brexit cartoon – the winds of change blowing the Union Jack over someone’s face.

    The cartoon shows a British person with a British flag (union jack) blown into his face so that he can’t see where he’s going.

    The image may show a person who can’t see the future ahead now that Britain has voted to leave the EU, with the flag representing Britain.
    Alternatively, it may show a person who was blinded by patriotism before the referendum and thus voted to leave the EU on those grounds. This doesn’t imply that everyone who voted to leave the EU in the referendum are blinkered nationalists, just that blinkered nationalists probably voted for Brexit (and thus managed to get many other Leave voters tarred with the same brush).
    Cartoon reference number: a742b
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  • Brexit cartoon – the EU being damaged by Britain leaving

    Brexit cartoon - EU flag torn apart

    Is the EU in danger of splitting up now that Britain has voted to leave (Brexit) in its referendum?

    The cartoon shows an EU flag being torn apart as one of the stars leaves the circle of member nations.
    Will the EU fall apart?
    Will other member nations vote to leave, especially if they elect nationalist right wing governments?

    Cartoon reference: a743

  • Cartoon – climate change refugees

    Cartoon - climate change refugees

    Cartoon – climate change refugees.

    The cartoon shows the possible increase in mass migration that may be caused by global warming and climate change.
    The cartoon compares the current (2015) crisis of mass migration to Europe caused by political instability in the middle east with the possible crisis of mass migration that may occur due to climate change.

    A cartoon about mass migration, climate change refugees, impact of global warming.
    Drawn: 2015
    Reference number: a712

  • No Platforming cartoon

    Cartoon - no platforming debates

    “No platforming” – the movement to deny a debating voice to speakers who’s views may be offensive to some of the audience.

    This cartoon is about the phenomenon of denying a platform in debates for speakers who’s views may be found offensive by some of the audience.
    The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in universities.

    “No platforming” can be seen as a form of censorship masquerading as a virtue. It is built on the premise that people have the right not to be offended.
    This may be a worthy aim, but it’s very much open to abuse, as the ‘right not to be offended’ can easily become a means of stifling debate.
    Apart from anything else, the airing of controversial views are crucial to the health of democracy.

    Cartoon drawn: 2015

    Cartoon reference: a705
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  • The End is Nigh cartoon – global warming

    Global warming cartoon - the end is nigh crank

    A global warming cartoon, showing a man with an “End is Nigh” placard.

    A passing woman is saying “There was a time when I’d have dismissed him as a crank”.

    A cartoon about the current feeling of pessimism about the state of the world and about its future, with particular reference to the climate emergency and global warming
    Original version: 2010
    Cartoon reference number: a709

  • A chess board as a metaphor for conflict resolution – cartoon

    Chess as a metaphor for conflict resolution

    A chessboard on which the chess pieces are not only black and white but are also shades of grey.

    The idea of the cartoon is that conflict occurs when things are seen in black and white or when people are polarised in outlook. With shades of gray or nuances of opinion conflict is less likely – specifically as on the chessboard in the illustration.
    This is not a metaphor about race or racial prejudice, although metaphorical links can be made.

    The cartoon is a comment on the fact that people tend to analyse things in black and white, as “either/or” or in binary.
    Cartoon drawn: 2012
    Cartoon reference number: a701

  • Egypt crisis cartoon

    Egypt crisis - inverted pyramid

    A political cartoon about the ongoing crisis in Egypt which was originally heralded by the arab spring

    In this image the crisis in Egypt is symbolised by an Egyptian pyramid turned upside down (to symbolise the turning upside down of the political order)

    This image was drawn at the time of the initial uprising in Tahrir Square, Cairo, which saw the overthrow of President Mubarak.
    The inverted pyramid has been used as a metaphor for instability in Egypt in cartoons several times during the current crisis. The concept was conceived independently for this cartoon with no reference to other cartoons. I wouldn’t want to claim that it was the first use of the inverted pyramid though

    Cartoon drawn: 2011
    Cartoon reference number: egy271

  • Scottish independence referendum – opening Pandora’s box?

    Scottish independence vote cartoon

    Scottish referendum cartoon – has the independence campaign opened a Pandora’s box of problems?

     

    The cartoon shows a ballot box with “Scottish referendum” written on one side and “Pandora’s box” on another.

    The idea is that the independence campaign and the vote may have created divisions within Scotland and between Scotland and England.
    The aftermath of the campaign may also generate problems within England as the political parties struggle to reconcile the wishes of the Scots with the wishes of the English.
    There may also be resentment within England of the perceived privileges that were offered to Scotland in the closing days of the independence campaign.
    On top of this, the regions of England that feel marginalised by Westminster and the south east may start agitating for more autonomy.
    The whole thing is a veritable Pandora’s box.
    If I’d had a vote I’d probably have voted ‘Yes’ to independence, if only to avoid all of the disruptions and uncertainties that will follow the ‘No’ victory.
    Finally, I don’t think that the ‘No’ victory will settle the Scottish independence issue. Before long the independence movement may start agitating again. Alex Salmond, the SNP leader, has already accused the UK government of lying in order to secure a victory for the pro-union campaign. A divided Scotland may find that while it’s in a state of agitation it will have difficulty attracting investment and jobs, which will only make things worse.
    Cartoon reference number: a672

  • Margaret Thatcher caricature as an axe

    Margaret Thatcher caricature - as the mad axewoman

    Margaret Thatcher cartoon
    Margaret Thatcher caricature as the mad axewoman

    Margaret Thatcher was responsible for huge cuts in the welfare services, hence her depiction as an axe

    See another caricature of Margaret Thatcher as the Iron Lady or Mad Axewoman here: Margaret Thatcher – Iron Lady cartoon

    Cartoon reference number: a593

  • Scottish independence referendum logo

    Scottish independence referendum logo

    An illustration or logo about the Scottish independence referendum

    The people of Scotland will vote in the Scottish independence referendum on 18th September 2014

    This illustration can be used to accompany articles about the Scottish independence debate
    Ref: a644

  • Alex Salmond caricature

    Alex Salmond caricature

    Alex Salmond caricature

    Alex Salmond was the leader of the SNP, the Scottish Nationalist Party, when a referendum about independence for Scotland took place in September 2014.
    The referendum rejected independence.

    Cartoon drawn: 2014
    Cartoon reference number: a647

  • Big Brother thought police cartoon

    big brother thought police - cartoon

    Big Brother thought police cartoon

    The Thought Police from George Orwell’s 1984 using cctv surveillance cameras

    A cartoon about repressive societies, state control, police states, repression, dictatorship
    Cartoon reference number: a501

  • Egypt crisis cartoon – burning pyramid

    Egypt - pyramid burning

    The crisis in Egypt depicted as a pyramid on fire

    An image showing one of the pyramids of Egypt in flames, as a symbol of the unrest and turmoil caused by the current conflict between the Egyptian army and the Muslim Brotherhood (in August 2013). The cartoon was drawn in June 2012 in anticipation of future conflict.

    A burning pyramid as a metaphor for civil and religious unrest in Egypt.
    Ref a624

  • High Speed Rail cartoon – HS2

    HS2 inquiry cartoon

    HS2 cartoon

    A comment on the proposed high speed rail service, HS2.
    Inquiry into HS2 show different financial implications and differing conclusions about financial viability

    The cartoon shows a government minister responsible for rail transport and trains looking at an inquiry report and thinking “My reputation’s on the line”
    Cartoon reference number: a628

  • Royal Mail privatisation cartoon – removing a red pillar box

    Royal Mail privatisation cartoon

    The sell-off of Royal Mail – cartoon

    A comment on the proposed sell-off or privatisation of the UK’s postal delivery service, the Royal Mail.

     

    The cartoon shows person wanting to post a letter to complain about the decline in the postal service. However, the letter box (a traditional red pillar box) is being removed, thus making it difficult for him to send his complaint
    Cartoon reference number: a627

  • Suffragette cartoon

    suffragettes-votes-for-women-cartoon

    Suffragette cartoon – votes for women

    This image is about the common criticism that the suffragette movement was primarily concerned with campaigning for votes for middle class and upper class women, and weren’t interested in votes for working class women (At the time of the suffragettes working class men didn’t have the vote)

    A cartoon about suffrage, suffragists, democracy
    Cartoon drawn: 2013
    Cartoon reference number: a617

  • Nigel Farage caricature – caused by the fold in the newspaper

    Nigel Farage funny photo caricature
    A humorous photo of Nigel Farage – click to enlarge

    Nigel Farage caricature
    Humorous photo of Nigel Farage

    The fold in the newspaper distorted the photo of Nigel Farage, the leader of UKIP, inadvertently created a bizarre Nigel Farage caricature from a normal photograph (emphasising his grin).

    Following the success of UKIP in the local elections in the UK in 2013, the Guardian newspaper ran this front page, featuring a photo of Nigel Farage and some of the UKIP candidates who had won seats in the local election.

    Photograph taken: May 2013

    Reference number: a599

  • Margaret Thatcher cartoon – statue as Ozymandias

    margaret thatcher statue ozymandias

    Margaret Thatcher cartoon
    Statue of Margaret Thatcher as Ozymandias
    “Look upon my works and despair”

    An obituary cartoon following the death of Margaret Thatcher

    The phrase “Look upon my works, ye mighty, and despair” comes from Ozymandias by Shelley

    Cartoon reference number: a595

  • Margaret Thatcher funeral cartoon

    Margaret Thatcher funeral cartoon

    Margaret Thatcher cartoon
    Margaret Thatcher’s funeral

    Margaret Thatcher was a divisive figure when in power. This cartoon shows the public lining the streets to watch her funeral, with a protester from the SWP (Socialist Workers Party) waving an anti-Thatcher placard.
    The SWP actually used the headline ‘Rejoice!’ on the front page of their paper, Socialist Worker, when reporting Thatcher’s death – this cartoon was created independently of that headline,
    This cartoon isn’t so much about Thatcher as about the SWP and their liking for demonstrations.
    The joke is that, ironically, the SWP quite liked Thatcher because she gave them a hate figure. I think they’ll miss her

    “Rejoice!” was the expression Margaret Thatcher used when Britain defeated Argentina in the Falklands conflict.
    .
    Here’s a caricature I drew of Margaret Thatcher as the Iron Lady or Mad Axewoman (used very extensively by the SWP as it happens::
    Margaret Thatcher – Iron Lady cartoon

    Cartoon drawn: 2013
    Cartoon reference number: a594

  • Margaret Thatcher caricature as the Iron Lady

    Thatcher iron lady cartoon

    Margaret Thatcher cartoon or caricature as the iron lady or mad axewoman

    This cartoon of Margaret Thatcher was drawn during Margaret Thatcher’s premiership as a response to her policies.
    Margaret Thatcher was known by the iron lady (because of her resolve) and the mad axewoman (because of the cuts that she made to the welfare state).
    The cartoon was used widely in political campaigns and left wing publications. It featured in the 1981 Big Red Diary, published by Pluto Press, and was used by the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) in their newspaper, Socialist Worker. See the links below for these images.
    A copy of the poster featured in the 2012 film The Iron Lady starring Meryl Streep. The poster even features in the official UK trailer for the film

    See this cartoon on a Mad Axewoman protest placard
    See this cartoon on an anti-Thatcher political lapel badge
    Cartoon reference number: a121

  • Nails nailed into hammer – illustration

    Conceptual illustration. A hammer nailed down

    A hammer nailed down.
    Did the nails nail down the hammer to stop the hammer hitting nails?

    The image can be seen as a metaphor about overthrowing tyranny.
    The hammer is a metaphor for a tyrant (perhaps), or at least an oppressive force or feared presence.
    The hammer seems to have been attacked by nails, perhaps because hammers normally ‘attack’ (or at least hit) nails.
    Are the nails there to stop the hammer hitting more nails and thus committing more violence?
    Or was the hammer nailled down by another hammer?
    The hammer is leaking blood in a rather surreal and gruesome way.

    A cartoon about violence, revenge, surrealism, dada, tools, crime, motives.
    Cartoon reference number: ham710a

  • Bob Crow obituary cartoon

    Bob Crow obituary cartoon

    Bob Crow obituary

    A cartoon about RMT trades union leader Bob Crow, who has died of a suspected heart attack

    One of the final campaigns that Bob Crow was involved in was concerned with the removal of ticket staff at London Underground stations and the resulting total reliance on ticket machines
    Ref: a646