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Old Bill Goes East
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Old Bill Goes East
Cartoon by Bruce Bairnsfather (1887-1959), speculating that in 1940 Europe could be considered the darkest continent. Old Bill was a popular recurring character in his cartoons. Date: 1940
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Media ID 32241640
© Illustrated London News Ltd / Mary Evans
Bairnsfather Bill Bruce Explorer Explorers Helmets Humourous Pith Tropical
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Old Bill Goes East: A Humorous Take on Europe as the Darkest Continent in 1940 by Bruce Bairnsfather In this iconic cartoon by British satirist Bruce Bairnsfather, titled "Old Bill Goes East," we find our beloved character Old Bill, an intrepid explorer of the trenches during World War I, embarking on a new adventure. The year is 1940, and Europe, rather than the unexplored territories of Africa, is depicted as the 'darkest continent.' Old Bill, dressed in his familiar trench coat and pith helmet, stands at the edge of a map, gazing intently at Europe. His expression is a mix of determination and trepidation as he prepares to venture into the unknown. The continent is depicted as a dark, foreboding place, with ominous clouds looming overhead, and a jagged, uncharted coastline. The cartoon is a humorous commentary on the uncertainty and danger that Europe faced during the early years of World War II. The pith helmet and explorer's outfit are ironic touches, reminding us of Old Bill's past adventures in the trenches during the previous war. The use of the term 'darkest continent' is a nod to the exploratory era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Europeans set out to explore and conquer the 'dark' continents of Africa and Asia. Bairnsfather's cartoons were popular during both World War I and II, providing a much-needed respite from the harsh realities of war through their humor and satire. "Old Bill Goes East" is a testament to Bairnsfather's ability to find humor in even the most challenging of circumstances. This print, from the ILN (Illustrated London News) Consolidated Archive Holdings Ltd, offers a unique glimpse into the mindset of the British public during a time of great uncertainty and upheaval. It is a reminder of the power of humor to provide comfort and perspective, even in the darkest of times.
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