Historic sketches brought to life

Many of the charicatures had a humorous angle

A historic collection of caricatures by the man who invented cartoon strips is being restored to go on public display.

The 494 colourful sketches were drawn 200 years ago by George Woodward - a leading light in the caricature movement.

But they have remained hidden in the vaults of Derbyshire County Council's Record Office in recent years.

They also commented directly on issues of the moment

Margeret O'Sullivan, archivist

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Now staff have been given a £33,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to make his drawings and prints accessible to everyone.

County archivist Margaret O'Sullivan, said: "He was a fascinating character.

"Born in Derby, he became a leading light in the golden age of British caricature.

"He produced literally hundreds of topical prints and drawings."

Not much is known about Woodward himself but his work provides a fascinating insight into poliitcal and social attitudes in the late eighteenth century.

"It was far more common to see images that represented topical issues - fashion, theatre, what people were wearing, what people thought of life in the town and country.

"They also commented directly on issues of the moment."

The grant will pay for specialist treatment to restore the pictures before they are put onto CD-rom.

The sketches showed everyday life

Views and opinions of the late 18th Century were mirrored by the caricaturist

The sketches were bright and colourful

Painstaking restoration will be carried out before they are put on display

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