Ralph Steadman is a British Artist, born in 1936, whose extensive portfolio ranges from satirical drawings to illustrating books and theatrical set designs. Steadman’s contributions to Gonzo journalism remains iconic and influential.
Following his formal education, Steadman worked as a Radar Operator at the Havilland Aircraft Factory, where he mastered technical drawing. Later he attended the Percy V. Bradshaw Press Art School, where his apt for drawing shifted into Cartoonism .
He worked as a cartoonist at the Private Eye for several years, specialising in satirical work which encouraged his style to evolve and develop more expressively and experimentally. During this time, Steadman's portfolio began to expand, including illustrations for book covers and news articles such as the Radio Times and the Daily Telegraph.
“Cartooning wasn’t just making a little picture and putting a caption underneath. It’s also something else – a vehicle for expression of some sort, protest, or it’s actually a way of saying something which you cannot necessarily say in words.” - Ralph Steadman
In 1970, Steadman’s storied collaboration with American journalist and author, Hunter S. Thompson began and paved the way for decades of iconic work. Their partnership led to the formation of Gonzo journalism, where the journalist's experiences became part of the artwork. Among the many published collaborations, ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ (1971) became the most well known. Exploring social and political themes in 1960 America, its importance and relevance endures to this day.
Steadman also wrote several children's books throughout his career, such as “That’s My Dad” (1986) and “Teddy! Where Are You?” (1994), accompanied by bespoke and whimsical illustrations. Recently, Ralph Steadman has expanded the parameters of his canvas, collaborating with major brands such as Nike, Harley-Davidson and Supreme. This extended to his work with set designers and documentary filmmakers, notably producing a series of artworks for the box set of, ‘Breaking Bad’.
In 1972, he was awarded the Francis Williams Book Illustration Award and was voted Illustrator of the Year by the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1979.
Bridgeman Editions presents a collection of prints by Steadman, including "Nextinction", "Critical Critters", "In the Beginning from Animal Farm" and "Clown from Picasso 547 Suite". Each print is produced on Hahnemühle German etching paper, available framed and unframed.
Discover Ralph Steadman’s collection today.