January marked the loss of a significant figure in the Socialist Party and its precursor, Militant, with the passing of Alan Hardman. Alan played a pivotal role as the organization’s first printer and was widely recognized for his talents as a cartoonist, contributing to publications like the Militant newspaper and its successor, the Socialist, as well as creating artwork for posters and leaflets.
In addition to his work as a cartoonist, Alan was deeply committed to promoting socialist ideas through publications like Socialism Today and the Militant International Review.
I had the privilege of collaborating with him on these projects, where his dedication to accuracy and his meticulous approach ensured that his artwork effectively conveyed the essence of our message.
Alan Hardman (Credits: Messenger Newspapers)
Alan’s contribution extended beyond his artistic talents; he was also deeply involved in discussions about the content of the articles he illustrated. His images often had a profound impact, sometimes even greater than the articles themselves, in capturing the core of an issue.
A collection of Alan’s cartoons is currently being prepared for publication by Bluecoat Press, showcasing his life’s work in the fight for a new, socialist world.
In the meantime, we are proud to present a selection of some of the many covers he created for us, highlighting his enduring legacy as a passionate advocate for socialism.
