The art of political cartoonists has been a daily treat for readers of The Australian since its birth 60 years ago.
So what better way to celebrate the founding of the national broadsheet than to sit back and enjoy the wit of The Australian’s cartoonist, Johannes Leak, with a glass of silky 2021 Barossa shiraz?
The Australian Wine Club has combined with Leak to release a special 60th anniversary red labelled with six unique illustrations reflecting prime ministerial styles, skirmishes and skulduggery dating back to 1964.
“I can’t think of a job that offers as much licence to have fun and, in a different way, observe the daily hurly-burly of politics and the national debate,’’ says Leak, pictured below, who took over the reins as The Australian’s cartoonist in 2019, following in the footsteps of his father, the late and great Bill Leak.
“The best part, though, is receiving feedback from our readers; people from all walks of life who turn to the cartoon most days for a bit of entertainment.
“We’re in an age now where there seems to be more and more boundaries of what cartoonists can and can’t say but it’s really a privilege to continue this fine artistic Australian tradition of stirring things up.”
Johannes Leak in his studio at his home on Sydney’s central coast. Picture: John Feder
Here’s Leak’s take on his six political illustrations that are certain to become as cellar-worthy as the wine itself.
Robert Menzies(1939 to 1941; 1949 to 1966)
“Menzies was a man of tradition, from all accounts, so I’ve tried to capture that. He’s sitting back, taking his time, respectfully dipping his nose into his red as he swirls it around. I imagine he’s in an establishment-type gentleman’s club of the era; the world of politics is moving at a gentler pace.”
Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser (1972 to 1983)
In most of these illustrations, it was hard to go past the antagonism between political rivals but in this one I flipped it around. Obviously Whitlam and Fraser were sworn enemies for much of their time in politics but in their later years it’s said they came to enjoy each other’s company. I find it quite incredible that they were able to put the bitterness behind them and find common ground.
Bob Hawke and Paul Keating (1983 to 1996)
Here we have Labor’s great political rivals right in the fray – hand-to-hand combat. Hawke’s thrusting a broken wine bottle and Keating’s parrying with a corkscrew. They achieved so much together but there was always that intense rivalry in the background. A cartoonist’s dream.
John Howard and Peter Costello (1996 to 2007)
I’ve tried to sum up the longstanding relationship: Howard sitting on his throne, begrudgingly served by Costello. It’s Howard the master and Costello the butler. Costello never graduated past being the waiter.
Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard (2007 to 2013)
Maybe this was the most toxic relationship of all. I’ve tried to draw Gillard, reclining after a long day of political hostility for a moment’s reflection. She’s unaware that Rudd is scheming in the shadows with a bottle of poison. You can only imagine what he’s put in her glass of red.
Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison, Anthony Albanese (2013 to now)
The last decade turned into a revolving door. This is our last bunch of prime ministers: Tony Abbott is looking pretty unhappy at the state of affairs; Morrison and Albanese, grimacing and trying to look like things aren’t as bad as they seem. Turnbull on the ground, the most sour grape of all; the prime minister that never misses a chance to slag off his former political colleagues.
One silky 2021 Barossa shiraz, six unique illustrations reflecting prime ministerial styles, skirmishes and skulduggery dating back to 1964. Pic: supplied
The Australian 60th Anniversary Issue Barossa Shiraz 2021 (SPONSORED)
Full-bodied and bold, yet toeing a line of femininity and finesse, reflecting its blend of rich Barossa Valley fruit and grapes grown in the cooler Eden Valley. Lifted aromas of spiced plum, blackberries, dark chocolate and star anise lead to a concentrated palate, fused with silky tannins carrying through to a long, soft finish. Bold, with a hint of spice – just like another excellent edition of The Australian!
SPONSORED: 60th ANNIVERSARY DEAL 12 bottles of 2021 Barossa shiraz for $25 a bottle (valued at $35 a bottle). Each dozen contains two sets of the six illustrations. SAVE $120 a dozen.
Order by simply clicking the links to our online store or telephone 1300 765 359 Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm AEST. Deals are available only while stocks last. The Australian Wine Club is a commercial partnership with Laithwaites Wine, LIQP770016550. Stockhead is partnering with The Australian Wine Club on this offer.
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