Belisha Beacon
1954.
Original cartoon, in pen and ink, heightened in blue pastel and whitener. 370x400mm. Signed at the bottom left. The cartoon depicts and elderly Winston Churchill, trademark cigar in mouth, about to cross at a zebra crossing, scowling up at a Belisha beacon, whose globe is in the form of the head of Leslie Hore-Belisha. Speeding towards him is a car containing John F Dulles. With a letter from Hore-Belisha to the artist thanking him for this drawing. In fine condition, mounted, framed and glazed.
A fine, large drawing by a noted political cartoonist, which first appeared in the daily express on 18 March 1954. It features Churchill, who is nearing the end of his political career and seeking to consolidate the UK-USA 'special relationship' by collaborating with President Eisenhower and US Secretary of State John Foster Dulles to establish an effective arms control to counter the threat of the growing Soviet military machine. Dulles favoured making overtly threatening statements of 'massive nuclear retaliation' if the Soviet Union continues its expansion.
Leslie Hore-Belisha, recently elevated to the House of Lords, chose for his maiden speech to oppose Dulles approach in favour of a joint development of nuclear arms which would give Britain an active voice in any decision to use the atomic bomb.
PROVENANCE: Leslie Hore-Belisha (1893-1957, Member of Parliament and Government Minister, given by the artist, letter of receipt included); Family descent.
LITERATURE: Evening Standard, 18 March 1954
Stock ID: 46936
£2,750.00
