The annual outdoor showcase opened last night, inviting visitors to explore a trove of witty artworks drawn from the library’s extensive archives.
The spotlight this year is satire and silliness, an affectionate nod to Guernsey’s long tradition of using humour to navigate life’s ups and downs.
‘We love choosing a theme each year and this one is close to our hearts,’ said chief librarian Sue Laker.
‘Our archives are packed with illustrations that poke fun at local celebrities, lampoon politics and reflect a community that, even in challenging times, finds ways to laugh.’
The exhibition, which draws thousands each summer, features rarely seen pieces from publications such as the Radical Island Press, Chit-Chat and Guernsey Attic Press.
Visitors will also see classic cartoons by the late Alan Guppy, whose illustrations captured the spirit and the squabbles of the 1970s in the Guernsey Evening Press.
Running until early September, the exhibition is free to attend and aims to be as interactive as it is nostalgic.
QR codes on display boards will allow those enjoying the show to donate towards the ongoing work of the Priaulx Library.
Titan Wealth, the event’s long-time supporter and new title sponsor, praised the creative curation.
‘This is the 12th exhibition we have supported, although our first as Titan Wealth,’ said CEO Robin Newbould.
‘We’re grateful to the Priaulx team for their hard work and we hope visitors find as much amusement and insight in these historic images as ever.
‘Many of the themes will strike a chord today.’
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