The CartoonStock Caption Contest #139

We have arrived at the close of the CartoonStock Caption Contest #139. These contests will now last for two weeks through at least the end of the year. My three entries may be seen below. The drawing is by Dan Misdea.

"The Amazing Race headed inland six years ago."
"Are you here for the pub crawl?"
"Your clothes are so last year."

October 13, 2021 Update:  The Winner

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John and Therese Wright's Copy of Desclozeaux

The Institut français du Royaume-Uni in South Kensington held an exhibition of work by French cartoonist Jean-Pierre Desclozeaux in January and February of 1982. It was the artist's first showing in England. The exhibit featured a sampling of the artist's vibrant watercolors. The catalogue has an appreciative introduction by Ronald Searle. John and Therese Wright's copy has some foxing on the cover, but it boasts an inscription by the artist in multicolored pencil.

The Institut français du Royaume-Uni, London
Desclozeaux, 1982

Slightly foxed—but still desirable

Spine view

Inscription by Jean-Pierre Desclozeaux

"Apropos Desclozeaux" by Ronald Searle

Desclozeaux
eBay Listing Ended November 18, 2019

https://www.ebay.com/itm/034-DESCLOZEAUX-034-SIGNED-1982-EXHIBITION-CATALOGUE-INSTITUT-FRANCAIS-LONDON-/392530998969?ul_noapp=true&autorefresh=true&nma=true&si=YQGb25QThn5Fxe78BW8tTy6VzZY%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Desclozeaux
eBay Item Description

eBay Bid History
One stealthy bid at the auction close.

Note:  I'm almost certain that perfectly-centered Searle signature is a printed one that appears in every copy of the catalogue. Anyone with a copy who can confirm or refute this should get in touch.

This is the first appearance of Jean-Pierre Desclozeaux on Attempted Bloggery. Readers with examples of his original art are encouraged to share them here by submitting scans or photos.

Quick Links to the Attempted Bloggery Archives:

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Ronald Searle: Two for the New York Times, Almost

These two illustrations by Ronald Searle for the New York Times are examples of just how good commercial illustrations can be. As it happens, they were never published, but that's not so unusual in the advertising business. I doubt the clients had any complaints with the quality of the artwork. These two originals were sold on May 20, 2011 at Skinner in Boston.

Ronald Searle was born on this day in 1920. He passed away late in 2011.

Lot 552 Ronald William Searle (British, b. 1920) 
Cat on a Raft Signed "Ronald Searle" l.l., stamped "Ronald Searle/ John Locke Studios Inc.... Drawing...Copyright © Ronald Searle 1986" on the reverse. Mixed media (watercolor, ink and graphite) on Vinci paper, 19 x 13 3/4 in. (48.3 x 34.9 cm), unframed.  Condition: Tape hinged to backing mat. 
N.B. The present work was a commissioned but unpublished image intended for the New York Times by the international ad agency, Bozell & Jacobs. 
Estimate $2,500-3,500  Sold for $2,963

http://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2547B/lots/552

Lot 555 Ronald William Searle (British, b. 1920) 
Horn of Plenty Signed "Ronald Searle" l.l., stamped "Ronald Searle/ John Locke Studios Inc.... Drawing...Copyright © Ronald Searle 1986" on the reverse. Mixed media (watercolor, ink, and graphite) on paper, 19 x 13 3/4 in. (48.3 x 34.9 cm), unframed. Condition: Tape hinged to backing mat. N.B. The present work was a commissioned but unpublished image intended for the New York Times by the international ad agency, Bozell & Jacobs. 
Estimate $2,500-3,500 Sold for $2,844

http://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2547B/lots/555

Note:  Further scattershot musings of mine on the art of Ronald Searle may be seen here.

Less scattershot is the Ronald Searle Tribute Blog which has quite a lot to say on the subject of Searle's advertising work, although it hasn't covered the New York Times campaign yet.

This is the final month to see "Searle in America," the exhibition of Ronald Searle's brilliant reportage work for the American magazine market at the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. The show closes March 30 and I haven't even ordered my catalogue yet. Perhaps you can beat me to my copy here.

The Searle in America blog is dedicated to Ronald Searle's work for the U.S. market and can be seen here.

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