RINGING THE BELL WITH A SIGNATURE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 2, Issue 34, 16 February 1940, Page 47

RINGING THE BELL WITH A SIGNATURE

Don ("Charley's Aunt") Nicol As A Caricaturist

stage, and in the dressing rooms of most theatres, lightning sketches tell of actors’ impressions of acquaintances on the tours. , the walls back In many instances these clever caricatures are worthy of more prominent display where they could be admired by many apart from the comparatively few who are privileged to view them in odd corners of the theatre. In common with many other actors, Don ("Charley’s Aunt") Nicol’s artistic achievements embrace the power of expression with artists’ crayon and brushes. In contrast, however, to many in his profession, Don puts this gift to more serious purpose. ;

In. Christchurch there is a child’s bedroom decorated artistically from floor to ceiling with wall paintings done by Don to amuse a sick little girl, As a memento of happy associations on his tour this versatile artist may draw for his special friends a kindly caricature which recalls for them some happy event, as in the accompanying lightning sketch of Harry Bell, Station Director of 3ZB, portraying the pleasant association with the station in broadcasts by the company and in a little week-end relaxation on the links with (to use Don’s own expression) "Close-to-the-flag Harry." Quite a clever little sketch, even if the main likeness to the subject is the signature around which the whole sketch is drawn.