Disney Artist Jerry Costello Winston Churchill Original Political Drawing

Title:
Original 1950s Political Cartoon by Jerry Costello – “78-Year-Old Churchill” Visits the USA

Description:
Original hand-drawn political cartoon by Jerry Costello, executed in ink and white gouache on textured artist board, measuring approximately 11" x 14". Boldly signed by the artist in the lower right. The cartoon features a caricature of Sir Winston Churchill, depicted in his iconic bowler hat, cane in one hand and cigar clenched between his teeth, briskly marching across the globe from Jamaica toward the United States with a suitcase marked by the British Union Jack. Labeled “78-Year-Old Churchill”, the figure radiates energy and confidence, defying his age and reinforcing his reputation as a tireless world statesman. Two signposts — “Jamaica” and “Welcome to U.S.A.” — place the cartoon’s geographic context, while clouds and movement lines emphasize the speed and vigor of his journey. On the reverse, a penciled caption reads “Inexhaustible Tourist / Sat Jan 3,” suggesting publication on Saturday, January 3, most likely referencing Churchill’s 1952–53 winter visit.

Historical Context:
This cartoon likely refers to Winston Churchill’s visit to the United States in January 1953, during his second term as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (1951–1955). At age 78, Churchill maintained an active international schedule, reinforcing the Anglo-American alliance during the early years of the Cold War. Having vacationed in Jamaica during the winter holidays at the residence of a close friend, Churchill traveled to the U.S. to meet with President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had just won the 1952 election and would be inaugurated later that month. The cartoon satirizes Churchill’s remarkable endurance and diplomatic energy, portraying him as the globe-trotting elder statesman undeterred by age or travel fatigue.

The artwork is the creation of Gerald “Jerry” Costello (1897–1971), a prolific American editorial cartoonist and animator whose work appeared in the Knickerbocker News from 1922 to 1962. Early in his career, he contributed to Walt Disney Studios and sold his first animated cartoon to Bray Productions—home to legendary animators Max and Dave Fleischer—in 1918. Costello’s editorial cartoons are known for their bold penwork, witty symbolism, and incisive commentary, often focusing on international relations, American politics, patriotism, and the global Cold War narrative. His works are part of permanent collections at the Library of Congress, Columbia University, and Princeton University.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
N/A

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
A spirited and historically relevant depiction of Churchill in his later years, this original Jerry Costello cartoon is a vivid reminder of Churchill’s enduring symbolic power during the early Cold War. With dynamic imagery and pointed commentary, it serves as a collectible intersection of British-American diplomacy and mid-20th-century political art—perfect for collectors of original editorial cartoons, Churchilliana, or Cold War-era memorabilia.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.