Stone de Croze cartoon art on display at Priaulx Library

The library has been donated hundreds of the strips and satirical cartoons drawn by the late Alan Guppy in the 1970s, when Stone de Croze was a weekly feature of the Guernsey Press Children’s Page.

Alan’s son Mark said he had been pondering what to do with all the illustrations for some time. ‘They were stuck at home in the cupboard and I just thought it was sad that nobody could see them,’ he said.

He shared his thoughts with Priaulx Library chief executive Steve Foote.

‘I suggested he give them to the Priaulx,’ said Mr Foote.

Mr Guppy spoke to his family, and they agreed.

A small display has been set up on the first floor, showcasing many of the Stone de Croze strips alongside some of the single cartoons inspired by events of the day, such as when Crown & Anchor was banned at the West Show, problems with roadworks and a bonfire ban on States-owned land. One or two could, with minor alterations, still be relevant today.

Assistant librarian Sarah Ferbrache has curated the display and had to choose from hundreds of cartoons.

‘I wanted to pick a representative selection,’ she said.

While some are on the first floor landing, there are more in the newspaper room.

‘In that room I focused on strips that have Guernsey vocabulary in them and the tension between Guernsey and Jersey,’ said Mrs Ferbrache.

The collection has been rehoused in special archival boxes which are designed to minimise the impact of environmental damage or dust. The display also includes some items that have been loaned by Guernsey Museums and Galleries, including bottles from Guppy’s soft drinks and a collection of colourful labels.

Mr Foote said the library would be holding a bigger exhibition next year, probably in the summer, using the outdoor display boards as well as space on the library’s ground floor. Some souvenirs including dolls, books and drinks coasters are on sale alongside the exhibition, which is free to enter during the library’s usual opening hours.

The exhibition will run until late March and visitors can also view copies of the Guernsey Evening Press and Star which included the cartoons.