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Cartoon Maps - Politics and Satire

Episode 4 of 4

The series concludes by delving into the world of satirical maps. How did maps take on a new form as devices for humour, satire or storytelling?

The series concludes by delving into the world of satirical maps. How did maps take on a new form, not as geographical tools, but as devices for humour, satire or storytelling?

Graphic artist Fred Rose perfectly captured the public mood in 1880 with his general election maps featuring Gladstone and Disraeli, using the maps to comment upon crucial election issues still familiar to us today. Technology was on the satirist's side, with the advent of high-speed printing allowing for larger runs at lower cost. In 1877, when Rose produced his Serio Comic Map of Europe at War, maps began to take on a new direction and form, reflecting a changing world.

Rose's map exploited these possibilities to the full using a combination of creatures and human figures to represent each European nation. The personification of Russia as a grotesque-looking octopus, extending its tentacles around the surrounding nations, perfectly symbolised the threat the country posed to its neighbours.

30 minutes

Last on

Mon 11 Apr 2022 00:45

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Music Played

  • Camille Saint鈥怱a毛ns

    Carnival of the Animals: The Aquarium

Credits

Role Contributor
Director Steven Clarke
Producer Steven Clarke
Executive Producer Harry Bell

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