An Introduction

The story behind The Big-Head Man begins with Lawrence Gleadle, a talented lithographic artist immersed in the vibrant printing trade of the 1920s and 30s. Lawrence's passion for the art form was evident in every stroke of his work, creating vivid and captivating posters that adorned the walls of cinemas, theatres, and advertisement displays. Through meticulous attention to detail and anatomical accuracy, the artist brought to life a compelling visual narrative that explores the depth and diversity of facial features and organic movement. He was the most skilled artist specialising in the portraits of the stars and advertising figures resulting in him being called The Big-Head Man.

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However, destiny took a different turn when he answered the call of duty in World War II, transitioning from a skilled lithographer to a lorry driver for the Ministry of War. The war years reshaped Lawrence's trajectory, leading him away from the artistic realm he cherished. Post-war life saw him take up a new career as a bus driver, a departure from the world of lithography that defined his early years. Amidst these changes, the early chapters of Lawrence's life remained shrouded in mystery for his family, including his son who, born in 1942, grew up with little knowledge of his father's past in the printing trade.

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The turning point came in the early 1980s when Lawrence, now retired, handed his son, Goff Gleadle, a bag of old posters—a silent testament to the artistic legacy he had left behind. At that time, circumstances limited any immediate action, and it wasn't until 2015 that the son, now back in England after years abroad, could delve into the treasure trove of posters. Goff along with Kendal James, a local Portsmouth artist, researched and scanned each piece onto computer files marking the beginning of an enlightening journey.

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Over the next eight years with Kendal James, exhibitions, talks, radio, and television appearances unfolded as Goff Gleadle uncovered the layers of his father's life, intertwined with the history of Stafford's, the printers, and the intricacies of the printing process, now a relic of the past. Each poster held a story waiting to be told, and through this journey, the son not only discovered his father's artistic legacy but also unveiled the narratives behind each image.

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The original posters found a new home in the Cinema and Theatre History (CATH) archives at DeMontfort University, where they are now preserved, conserved, and digitised under the watchful eye of Professor Steve Chibnall. Everything learned along this fascinating path was meticulously documented, resulting in a captivating book that chronicles Lawrence Gleadle's life and the stories embedded in the posters. With the support of DeMontfort, the book, adorned with over 50 vibrant images, is now available for purchase, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of lithographic art.

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As a continuation of this legacy, prints of many images from the posters and the book grace The Big-Head Man's collection, available as A3, A4 prints, and greeting cards. Each piece is not just art but a piece of history, a connection to Lawrence Gleadle's journey, and an invitation for others to explore the rich tapestry of lithographic artistry.