Tim Benson - How to be British: A cartoon celebration

Dr Tim Benson is Britains leading authority on political cartoons. He runs the Political Cartoon Gallery and Caf which is located near the River Thames in Putney. He has produced numerous books on the history of cartoons, including Giless War, Churchill in Caricature, Low and the Dictators, The Cartoon Century: Modern Britain through the Eyes of Its Cartoonists, Drawing the Curtain: The Cold War in Cartoons and Over the Top: A Cartoon History of Australia at War.

THE BRITISH CHARACTER

Enthusiasm for gardening

Why of course, Mrs Harrison, its perfectly all right about bringing with you your sister and her husband and their daughter and their two sons and their sons friend who has arrived unexpectedly.

I dont wish to seem to be interfering or anything Mildred, but do you not think perhaps youve got your oven a wee bit high?

THE BRITISH CHARACTER

Absence of the gift of conversation

Henry, dont tell me youre intoxicated.

I couldnt if I tried.

Before we start playing, do you mind if I consult my husband on a point Im not quite certain about?

Oh, certainly.

Well, George, did you say two kicks or three for no trumps?

And now in return we want you to promise to bring all your family to spend the day with us on Saturday week.

THE BRITISH CHARACTER

Importance of not taking precedence at doorways

Herbert, dont disturb your father!

How to accommodate a large whist party in a small room.

Another restless night, Stevens.

How would you like your hair, sir?

Like that fellows over there, please.

Please dont disturb yourselves, my good people.

My friend and I are only studying conditions among the rich.

The perfect lift-man.

Now, now, your ladyship, remember the timetable kissing from 5:30 to 6.

What possible excuse did you people have for acquitting that murderer?

Insanity.

What, the whole twelve of you?

And now, Harrison, kindly tell cook to come up and see me for a moment.

I said well done, waiter. Well done.

Oh, thank you, sir, thank you very much. Its seldom we get a word of praise in this place.

Oh, mother! Dads found the burglar!

Sad. It isnt as if Im much of a reader.

The children say they buried him in the sand, and now we cant find him anywhere!

Shall I call the ambulance, apply first aid, or chase the miscreant?

Will you promise not to harm me if I tell you where my money and valuables are?

Yes, I promise, guvnor.

Theyre in the b-b-bank.

Funny world, aint it? Heres you and me walking along together like old pals, and this time last year I was doing time for robbery with violence!

I dont know whether you are my husband or a burglar, but Im going to be on the safe side and shoot.

THE BRITISH CHARACTER

Failure to appreciate good music

Surely the eyes are the wrong colour?

Are they really. I cant remember for the life of me where I put them.

I dont think we ought to look at that one, dear. Its rude unless its by a foreigner.