PAPAS, 'SLOWER – NIGGA – SLOWER', INK, 1965

318 by 318mm., pen and ink, signed, inscribed with title on original mount, mounted framed and glazed

EXHIBITED:
‘The Illustrators. The British Art of Illustration 1800-2007’, Chris Beetles Gallery, 2007, no 533; 'Images of Power: From the Jeffrey Archer Cartoon Collection', Monnow Valley Arts, 3 September - 30 October 2011

Guardian, 9 March 1965

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

During the African-American Civil Rights Movement, the campaign of protests in the town of Birmingham, Alabama played a significant role in the push towards the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Black citizens of Birmingham faced economic and legal disparities and acts of violence in what was one of the most racially divided cities in the United States. The protests began with boycotts organised by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which were designed to pressure business leaders to provide employment opportunities to people of all races, as well as end segregation in public facilities, restaurants and stores. When Birmingham’s businesses resisted the boycotts, SCLC organiser Wyatt Tee Walker and Birmingham local Fred Shuttlesworth launched ‘Project C’, a series of sit-ins and marches intended to provoke mass arrests. This effect was achieved, but not before dwindling numbers of adult volunteers had resulted in the participation of a large number of high school and college students. Despite the intentions of the SCLC, sections of the protest turned violent, resulting in the use of force from the authorities. Images of children and bystanders being attacked with dogs and water cannons caused an intensification of national media attention and an international outcry, a significant step towards the Civil Rights Act.