Today saw London restaurant Simpson’s in the Strand officially unveil a series of illustrations created by its Artist in Residence, British Satirical Cartoonist Zoom Rockman. The highly acclaimed eighteen-year old illustrator was appointed as Artist in Residence at Simpson’s in the Strand earlier this year and has produced a series of six new artworks celebrating the restaurant’s most eminent patron, Sir Winston Churchill, which are now displayed throughout the historic building.
Zoom Rockman has become renowned for his distinctive cartoon style and astute observational wit. He first garnered the attention of The Beano, which published his first comic strip ‘Skanky Pigeon’ when he was just 12-years-old and at the age of 16 became the youngest cartoonist in Private Eye magazine’s history and remains a frequent contributor.
For almost two centuries Simpson’s in the Strand has been a stalwart on London’s culinary map, having played host to countless lunches and suppers with illustrious guests including Sir Winston Churchill whose favourite table can be found next to the fireplace at the far end of the restaurant. Rockman’s series of anecdotal illustrations depict Churchill’s fondness for Simpson’s in the Strand and fuse the treasures of its cultural history with the brightest contemporary talent.
The artworks are displayed throughout the historic building; two adorn the walls of the Art Deco Knight’s Bar, one sits in the Gin cabinet, and one in each alcove of the Grand Divan. Zoom Rockman’s illustrations for Private Eye are now displayed in a cabinet in the entrance hall, and an illustration of Churchill standing outside Simpson’s in the Strand is displayed on an easel outside the Grand Divan.
The series of illustrations includes a fantasy dinner in the modern-day restaurant between Churchill – recognisably posed with a cigar poised between his lips – and former Prime Ministers, and rivals, Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone. Disraeli was one of Churchill’s political idols, therefore Rockman has chosen to imagine the pair engaged in animated conversation while Gladstone looks distractedly out of the frame. This illustration also pays homage to the Grand Divan’s antique décor and captures the polished sheen of the domed carving trolley. Rockman also nods to the restaurant’s cinematic past as the politicians are pictured being served by the famous Master Carver, Charlie Brown, who was featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1936 film, Sabotage.
Rockman describes the pleasures of his role as Artist in Residence at Simpson’s in the Strand: “’It’s hard to describe how much being Artist in Residence at Simpson’s in the Strand means to me. It is an honour and a privilege to be linked with such a historic setting. Walking in to the Grand Divan for the first time was like stepping into a dream: I had no idea that places like this even existed. It is easy to imagine Churchill sitting at his table, smoking a cigar.”
Zoom Rockman was named by The Evening Standard as one of the most influential Londoners under 25, and his distinctive cartooning has received attention from the likes of British Vogue, The Observer Magazine and The Independent and his solo exhibition at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden was a sell-out event. Described by The Telegraph as “a young comic genius” his work is irreverent and brimming with well-observed social commentary which both exalts and humours the energy of everyday London life. Rockman is also Young Ambassador for the world’s biggest arts charity, The Big Draw, and is passionate about the importance of creativity in education.