This is the final week for people to enjoy a stunning exhibition inspired by the late, great cartoonist Bill Tidy MBE in Southport.
Bill Tidy: ‘Is There Any News Of The Iceberg?’ opened at The Atkinson on Lord Street, Southport, in June, and continues until this Saturday (5th October 2024). Admission is free.
The exhibition celebrates the wonderful art and humour of one of Britain’s greatest ever cartoonists, who lived with his wife of 59 years, Rosa, and his family in Southport from the 1960s until 1985.
During that time he was renowned for his generosity, attending many local community events, spending time giving advice to budding young artists and drawing sketches for fans.
A unique exhibition Is there any news of the iceberg? by Bill Tidy MBE has opened at The Atkinson in Southport and runs until 5th October 2024. It was opened by Bills daughter, Sylvia Tidy-Harris (right), and by Bills granddaughter, Scarlette Tidy-Jones (left).
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
This new exhibition pays tribute to the comic genius who gave us The Cloggies and The Fosdyke Saga, as well as countless other cartoons in national newspapers and magazines such as Punch and Private Eye.
Visitors have the rare opportunity to take home their own piece of Bill Tidy MBE memorabilia with unique and limited edition cartoons, signed prints, books, postcards and greetings cards available to purchase through The Atkinson.
The exhibition was opened with a special visit from Bill’s daughter, Sylvia Tidy-Harris, and by Bill’s granddaughter, Scarlette Tidy-Jones; Nick Tidy’s daughter; who has enjoyed visiting from near San Francisco in the US.
Bill’s other son, Rob Tidy, was in Bali when he was given a virtual video tour of the exhibition by his proud sister.
Bill’s daughter, Sylvia Tidy-Harris, said: “Dad was so prolific with the art he made with cartoons, pictures, decorations on pottery, he was always drawing.
“He was so generous with people he met, especially with children. Whenever he was at events he was always happy to draw a picture for someone! There must be lots of people out there with a piece of Bill Tidy art that’s unique to them.
Bill Tidy: “Is there any news of the iceberg? Is at The Atkinson on Lord Street, Southport, from 8 June 2024 – 5 October 2024. Admission free
“Dad was always drawn to the humour in things.
“He used to get very angry about injustice and intolerance, and about untalented people who made it big for reasons that were beyond him.
“He was a very generous, gentle and kind man.
“I think he might have been the most prolific artist in the world!
“He used to draw little cartoons for everyone he met.
“He used to receive lots of cartoons drawn by children, and he always took the time to reply to them and share his thoughts. He was always keen to encourage them to develop their own unique talents.
“He loved seeing creativity in people.
“He used to get very embarrassed when people said nice things to him. He could never take compliments well, he just enjoyed doing what he did.”
- Bill Tidy: “Is there any news of the iceberg? Is at The Atkinson on Lord Street, Southport, from 8 June 2024 – 5 October 2024. Admission free.
Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm (closed Sundays and Bank Holidays). - For more about Bill Tidy’s work please visit billtidy.com
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