Russell Brockbank

1913 - 1979
History………….The more observant members of our Groupe may have noticed that from time to time, when there is a report of an incident, a members "faux pas" or some matter of great importance, the editorial is accompanied by a Brockbank cartoon.
As some of you probably know the late Russell Brockbank's cartoons are known and highly regarded world wide. Brockbank will be most familiar to those who grew up with his work through the forties, fifties and sixties but new audiences abound and the quality of his work still shines like a beacon.
Born in Niagara Falls, Canada in 1913, even his birth was accompanied by an element of comedy. His parents had actually set-up residence in the USA and it took a brave effort by his mother to dash to Canada in a thunderstorm to ensure her son was delivered on Commonwealth soil!
In addition to the humour in Brock’s work, there also manifests an incredible attention to technical detail. Dean Batchelor, writing in 1979 commented,
“Brock’s reputation was established as one of the finest illustrators – I refuse to call him a cartoonist – in the motoring world. When Brockbank drew a Blower Bentley, you knew it was a Blower Bentley. And when he drew a Bugatti, you knew if it was a Type 35, 51 or 57."
There was no doubt, this ability - a result of thorough research and dedication to his craft - endeared him to motoring enthusiasts throughout the world.
After the War, Brockbank created the mythical Major Upsett, a short man in a bowler hat who drove a Austin 8 Tourer. This character struck a particular chord with readers of 'The Motor', as he was depicted in a continual series of absurd motoring situations. Other popular subjects were the aggressive policeman, the haughty Rolls Royce driver or the female versus car stereotype, all conveyed with high humour, but no offence.Of course Brockbank loved cars and he owned a variety including Porsche, Mini-Cooper, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, which often provided the inspiration for his work. His annual visit to Le Mans was a further inspiration which was effortlessly translated into his cartoons.
His work began to appear in countless publications the world over and he was commissioned by numerous companies (including Rolls Royce) and had a series of books published. He and Eileen lived in Godalming, Surrey in a delightful, tucked away cottage where he enjoyed the company of his family and the odd tipple in his local pub. He worked constantly and his output only diminished when he fell seriously ill before passing away in 1979, aged 66.
The Brockbank Partnership has been formed to celebrate the legacy of this larger than life personality who touched all those who knew him, or followed his work. I sincerely thank Chris Ellis, his wife Sue who is Brockbank's daughter, their two sons, and Sue's brother Roger, who together make up the Brockbank Partnership, for their consent in permitting us to enjoy, and appreciate, some of Brockbank's work at no cost to ourselves.
Further details and a list of Brockbank publications can be found on the Brockbank Partnership website " www.russellbrockbank.co.uk " where original copies and prints of his drawings are available for purchase.
I do hope some of you will perhaps show your appreciation by visiting the website and maybe buy a print or two..............or even an original as an investment. BA
 
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