This pune or play on words is worthy of Sir Terry Pratchett: Ian Gunn envisaged a different kind of Magna Carta, a Magnacarter.
After last week’s biology/environment/conservation silly illo, this week is an interesting interpretation of the Magna Carta, a piece of legislation enacted in 1297. I absolve myself of responsibility for this pun.
Ian Gunn, creator of these silly illos (illustrations), was a beloved award-winning artist based in Melbourne. Cancer took him from us too soon.
Ian left a legacy including lots of great illustrations. Many of these illustrations are available for sale.
Victoria’s science fiction convention, Continuum, occasionally presents the Ian Gunn Memorial Award recognising the ‘unsung heroes’ of fandom: people consistently working in the background who never expect any recognition of their efforts. This commemorates Ian’s selfless efforts to reach out to others, encouraging others and thereby building the science fiction community.
K’rin Pender-Gunn, Ian’s widow, gave Dark Matter Zine permission to republish Ian’s artwork. Thanks, K’rin!
