The Gustaaf Van Damme Library in the European Cartoon Center contains many reference works on cartoons. In the 1960s and 70s, in Flanders, cartoons as an art form were on the rise. Journalist Gaston Durnez was an enthusiast and followed the genre closely. He was the author of, among others, ‘The Laughing Pen. Cartoons.’
De Lachende Tekenpen - Kartoens
The Laughing Pen - cartoons
About cartoons in our library
De Lachende Tekenpen. Kartoens (The Laughing Pen - cartoons)
by Gaston Durnez
‘De Lachende Tekenpen – Kartoens’ (Dutch for The Laughing Pen. Cartoons’ and yes, in that time it was written with a 'k' and 'oe' and not with ‘c’ and ‘oo’) is a reference work compiled and introduced by Gaston Durnez. It was published in 1964 as part of the Flemish Pockets series.
Chairman of the ECC Cartoon Book Club Jan Oplinus wrote an article about it in the magazine ‘Scherper’ (200802). We read:
‘In an unparalleled way, Gaston Durnez describes in about 20 pages the origin of the word "Cartoon" (from the British, 'carton') and introduces us to the emerging Flemish 'cartoon' world, with artists such as Cabra, Dani, Gal, Gilles, Hugoke, Guido, Lucifer, Titte, and Stef, to name only a few of them.’
That Durnez had high expectations for the publication is evident from a passage on page 24 where he writes:
“Collectors, hunt for as many copies as possible: it is the first Flemish pocket with cartoons! If in twenty years it doesn’t fetch a fortune…”
Now, more than 60 years later, you can consult the book for free in the ECC library.
Practical information
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Opening hours
Every Sunday from 10-12 and 14-17 you can visit the ECC as an individual with free entrance
Winterbreak: the European Cartoon Center is closed between the 22nd of December till the 22nd of January.
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Fee
As we want to promote cartoons as an art form to the general public and find it important that everyone has the possibility to see cartoons, you can visit the ECC on Sunday by the 'Pay what you wish'-principal. You decide what your visit to the exhibition is worth and according your own budget. This way of working is only possible because the European Cartoon Center is a non-profit organization that operates 100% on volunteers.
Keep in mind that your voluntary contribution makes it possible to make cartoon art accessible to all.
For groups there are different paid formulas:
- Formula A: 5 euro per person (with a minimum of 50 euro) admission and introduction
- Formula B: 8 euro per person (with a minimum of 80 euro) admission, introduction and a free drink of your choice