Cartoonist Charlie’s story goes out on library tour
OUR own Billy Spakemon will be heading off on a Black Country library tour very soon, promoting his recently published books on the life of Smethwickborn cartoonist Charlie Grigg.
The Life of Charlie Grigg is a full-colour, densely packed and richly illustrated book on Charlie’s life and career, featuring dozens of cartoons from his many years working on the Dandy and Topper comics.
Half-term
The Boy with the Magic Pen tells the story of Charlie’s childhood, in an illustrated book for children. Billy, under his ‘other’ name of Brian Dakin, will be discussing both books, and Charlie’s life and work, at the following libraries over the half-term week:
Tuesday October 29, 2.30pm: Dudley Library.
Wednesday October 30, 2.30pm: Thimblemill Library.
Thursday October 31, 2.30pm: Halesowen Library.
Friday November 1, 2.30pm: Brierley Hill Library.
Saturday November 2, 2.30pm: Stourbridge Library.
Each event will feature extracts from both books, songs that form part of the framework for a musical which will be out late next year, and of course the chance to ask questions about the whole project.
Museum
Brian will also be at the Black Country Living Museum on Tuesday October 29 at 11am.
This event will be held in the museum’s shop, which can be accessed without entering the museum itself.
Brian will be signing copies and invites visitors to share their own memories of favourite comic book characters.