Drawing Power: The Newton Collection of Original Editorial Cartoons

With the presidential campaign heating up as hot as a Texas summer, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History will premiere one of America’s largest and most unique editorial cartoon collections, beginning October 27, 2012. The Newton Collection on exhibit features 100 cartoons that appeared in newspapers and magazines over several decades beginning in the 1930’s. Many of the cartoons are drawn by Pulitzer Prize winners from the United States, but also include the works of many international cartoonists.

Featured in the exhibition are stunning and emotionally wrought drawings depicting the cruelty of World War II. Also included is a one of a kind collection of space related cartoons with added signatures of many of the more famous astronauts. Helen Newton, who collected some 600 of these treasures over a 35 year period, acquired the signatures on space related cartoons while she worked at NASA from 1960 until 1973. "The collection that my mother left me was due to her many years of hard work and perseverance. I am indeed fortunate to have the custody of these fine works of art. I hope to have them available to the public for many years to come so we can all learn from the past. The good and the bad of politics in illustrative form," said Granbury resident Bob Newton, son of Helen Newton.

The cartoons are displayed as they came from the cartoonist’s drawing board. They have all the original smudges, notations and instructions to the engraver. Production methods for political cartoons have changed drastically in the digital age. Many cartoonists currently draw with a computer, hence eliminating the original paper document which could be preserved for history.

The Newton Collection is a splendid visit through political history. Those visitors born prior to the 1950’s will enjoy looking back in time and recognizing many influential players in the political arena of years gone by. The entire exhibit is truly to be enjoyed by all ages.

Admission to the Newton Collection is included with Fort Worth Museum of Science and History exhibition admission: $14 for adults, $10 for children (2-12) and seniors (65+). Museum members are free. The exhibition will be on display Oct. 27, 2012, through January, 2013.

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