Telegraph cartoon exhibition cancelled ‘over fears of offence'
A exhibition of cartoons including work from The Telegraph is to be removed from display because it is too political.
The satirical works of Fleet Street cartoonists were scheduled to go on public view at a venue in Kingston-upon-Thames for an exhibit titled 'Licence to be Offended'.
However, the show has been cancelled by the venue, apparently because the cartoons might offend someone.
The Kingston Riverside venue is operated by Town Sq, which takes over unused public buildings and opens them us as work spaces.
Town Sq Kingston, which works with the local council, had given permission for the space to be used to display biting political images from papers including the Telegraph.
The show was scheduled to run until June, but it is understood that Town Sq has insisted all cartoons be removed from the walls following a small private viewing on Friday.
It is understood that there were concerns about the content of the cartoons, and officials were anxious to ensure political neutrality in the face of potential complaints.
Patrick Blower, a regular Telegraph cartoonist who shared some works for the show, said: 'In 40 years of freelancing I've never known anything like it, and I think it's a real sign of the times.
'There is an absolute terror of possibly offending anyone.'
The show, organised by Whitelight Projects, had promised to show off cartoons that displayed 'artistry, wit, and incisive perspectives that continue to shape public discourse'.
Zoe Dorelli, an artist who organised the exhibition, is now looking for a venue that will be bold enough to display the collection of works.
A spokesman for Town Sq Kingston said on Wednesday: 'Kingston Riverside is a private workspace for local businesses and freelancers. We regularly offer free space for local artists and photographers to showcase their work.
'This exhibition is not offensive; Kingston Riverside is a workspace, and our policy is to remain politically neutral. We have not cancelled the event, and the artists are still holding their exhibition at our space, for free, tonight.
'We don't do politics in our workspace, and that's why we're not running the exhibition over an extended period.'
Kingston council has been contacted for comment,.
The free speech row is the latest in a string of controversies in the arts.
In 2021, textile specialist Jess de Wahls was the subject of cancellation for her gender-critical views.
The Royal Academy initially apologised for stocking her work in its shop, and removed the works from sale.
The institution later apologised following outrage over the decision.
In 2022, Claudia Clare, a ceramic artist, had an event cancelled by the Craft Potters Association over her gender-critical views, and later won an apology.
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