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Asterix in Britain: Life and Work of René Goscinny

Asterix in Britain: Life and Work of René Goscinny: 10 May – 30 September 2018

Asterix cartoon image

A major retrospective on the co-creator, with Albert Uderzo, of beloved Astérix books
jewishmuseum.org.uk / @jewishmuseumLDN

Jewish Museum London presents a major retrospective exhibition on the life and work of René Goscinny (1926-1977), the ingenious writer of beloved comics such as Astérix and Lucky Luke, an artist who revolutionised the genre and dissolved the divide between learned and popular culture.

Over 100 items gathered from around the world will be displayed for the first time together in the UK, including original artworks, scripts and storyboards as well as Goscinny’s own tools, sketchbooks and family photographs. The exhibition highlights this writer’s contribution to European culture, at the same time as unearthing the substance of his Jewish heritage.

Born in Paris in 1926, Goscinny was a child of Jewish emigrants from Poland and Ukraine. He spent his childhood in Argentina, before moving to New York as a young man. It was following his return to Europe that Goscinny founded the Franco-Belgian comics magazine Pilote and launched his career as a cartoonist.

In 1959, in the first issue of Pilote, Goscinny, with Albert Uderzo, released his most famous creation, Astérix, which follows the adventures of a village of indomitable Gauls as they resist Roman occupation in the year 50 BC. Created in collaboration with cartoonist Albert Uderzo, the series was an instant hit with readers and is today considered one of the world’s most popular comics.

Goscinny’s books have sold 500 million copies worldwide, and his work has been translated into 150 languages, with 100 film adaptations. Yet despite the impressive figures of Goscinny’s success, the story of the man himself and the scale of his work have been underexplored until now.

Organised chronologically and thematically, this exhibition illustrates the course of Goscinny’s life and career as an illustrator and writer, and explores some of his most important artistic collaborations. Highlight objects in the exhibition include Goscinny’s typewriter, war-time illustrations by the young Goscinny of Stalin and Churchill, and extremely rare original Asterix artworks by Goscinny and Uderzo.

The various sections of the display include:

  • Goscinny’s childhood in Argentina and experience of the Second World War
  • His life in New York where he met and learned from celebrated American comics such as Harvey Kurtzman and Will Elder
  • His beginnings as a script writer and his work for French comic magazine Pilote
  • His relationships and collaborations with cartoonists like Albert Uderzo, Maurice De Bevere (‘Morris’), Jean-Jacques Sempé and Jean Tabary.

The playful and dynamic exhibition includes a number of interactive elements for families and younger visitors to enjoy, such as immersive sets based on the worlds of Goscinny’s most popular comics, dressing up stations, larger-than-life characters and creations, and games and cosy areas for story-telling and reading.

Abigail Morris, Director of the Jewish Museum, said: “We have gathered materials of an unprecedented scale and richness for this exhibition, which highlights the brilliance and creativity of a remarkable writer, the child of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, who made a huge contribution to European culture. Characters like Asterix, humorously yet shrewdly tell the story of a marginalised people under threat and how a small village use their wits to resist an occupying force. It’s a story which appeals not only to all ages but resonates with readers all over the world. Visitors will learn not only about the outputs of Goscinny’s prolific career but also about the cultural heritage that lay behind his genius.”

Asterix in Britain: The Life and Work of René Goscinny is adapted from the exhibition originally produced by the Museum of Jewish Art and History in Paris in partnership with the René Goscinny Institute.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:
[email protected]
+44 (0) 207 343 8180

VISITOR INFORMATION:

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Address:

Jewish Museum London
Raymond Burton House
129 – 131 Albert Street
London NW1 7NB

Tube:              Camden Town
Opening Times:        Daily 10am – 5pm (Friday: 10am – 2pm)

Museum admission (includes entry to exhibition and all permanent displays)
Adults – £8.50*
Concessions – £6.50*
Children (5-16) – £4.00*
Under 5s – free
Family ticket (two adults and up to four children) – £20*

* Includes £1 voluntary donation

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Jewish Museum London

Our mission at the Jewish Museum London is to surprise, delight and engage all people, irrespective of background and faith, in the history, identity and culture of Jews in Britain. Our exhibitions, events and learning programmes encourage a sense of discovery and aim
to provoke questions, challenge prejudice, and encourage understanding.

https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/