Flash Gordon And The Heroes Of The Universe in Stamford

FLASH GORDON AND THE HEROES OF THE UNIVERSE

Saturday, September 22 through Sunday, November 4, 2012
Flash Gordon and the Heroes of the Universe showcases artwork by two of the finest Flash Gordon illustrators, Alex Raymond and Al Williamson, as well as numerous other science fiction cartoonists. The artwork and memorabilia on display, representing space adventure creations from Buck Rogers to Star Wars, provides evidence of the significant impact that these heroes of the universe have had on American culture. Flash Gordon, which first appeared in 1934, was created by Alex Raymond (New Rochelle, 1909 – Stamford, 1956) and has impacted countless science fiction creators including George Lucas, director of “Star Wars.” Lucas claims, "Had it not been for Alex Raymond and Flash Gordon, there might not have been a Star Wars."

One of the most influential artists in the history of his genre, Raymond is credited with having created “the visual standard by which all such comic strips would henceforth be measured.” The exhibition will also include original artwork by Al Williamson, who continued Raymond’s creation and put his own imprint on the way the character was drawn and presented.

Writer and cartoonist Brian Walker, who also served as guest curator for Fifty Years of Beetle Bailey at the Museum in 2001, is serving as the guest curator for this exhibition. He has been the curator of more the seventy exhibitions and is the author of numerous books on cartoon history.

Flash Gordon and the Heroes of the Universe is made possible, in part, by support from King Features Syndicate, A Unit of Hearst Corporation, as well as the annual support of Premier Partners: Aquarion Water Company, First County Bank and Purdue Pharma.
The Bendel Mansion Museum Galleries are open, Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm; Sundays 11 am – 5 pm. Members: Free /Non-Members: Free with gate admission. For more information visit stamfordmuseum.org or call 203.977.6521.