Vic Feather/TUC Satirical Illustration for Punch Magazine
Original production drawing on paper/illustration board • William Papas (signed 'Papas')
Style & Movement
British Editorial Cartooning/Caricature; mid-20th-century satirical illustration
Medium & Technique
Ink, wash, and colored pencil on paper; technical notations in ink and graphite. Employs cross-hatching and line art for print reproduction.
Creation Period
Circa 1972 (specifically produced for the May 3rd issue)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 10 inches (sight); specified print dimensions marked as 7 1/8 x 8 1/4 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A caricature representing Vic Feather (former General Secretary of the TUC) personifying the Trade Union Congress. He is depicted as a giant holding a magnifying glass, with a smaller 'Press' figure on his shoulder, observing a lineup of miniature societal figures including clergy, royalty, and businessmen. It satirizes the power and scrutiny of labor unions in 1970s Britain.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; typical of production art with visible marginalia, production tape, and minor age-related toning.
Estimated Market Value
$600 - $1,200 USD
Auction Estimate
$400 - $800 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from the Punch magazine archives or the estate of the illustrator/editor. Production stickers and layout notes indicate direct use in the publication process.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as a piece of 1970s British political history and media history. Punch magazine was a seminal publication for social commentary, and William Papas was a premier political cartoonist known for capturing the essence of the 'Winter of Discontent' era politics.
Notable Features
Includes original editorial 'Journal/Issue' layout sticker, handwritten crop marks, scaling instructions ('65%', 'Line & Tint'), and the artist's signature 'Vic Feather' identifying the subject by the artist.
Condition Issues
Adhesive residue from production tape at bottom left, minor foxing/foxing spots in the margins, handling marks, and light surface soiling.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend archival mounting and framing with UV-protective glass. Avoid further use of adhesive tapes and maintain a stable humidity environment to prevent further paper oxidation.
Collector Notes
Original drawing for cover of Punch magazine