‘’No one’s irreplaceable … apart from Vince.’’
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That’s what former Illawarra Mercury editor, the late Peter Cullen, used to tell his staff – and he wasn’t wrong.
Award-winning cartoonist Vince O’Farrell worked at the Mercury for 27 years until 2013 and he left an indelible imprint on the masthead, the region and beyond.
''I’d go down to see what he was up to, and hear chuckling coming through the door. He’d show me his idea, and I’d be chuckling too.''
Despite lucrative offers from the US including Disney itself, the loveable rogue decided to stay put, relishing the opportunities available in news cartoons.
"You can say a lot of things with cartoons that you can't say otherwise,’’ Vince once said. ‘’I couldn't see myself drawing Mickey Mouse every day.’’
The talented Illawarra artist died on Sunday, leaving behind his wife Josie and children Luke and Jess, family and friends and a plethora of fans. His sister Karen Neumann, who worked with him in the Mercury’s art department for 23 years, said while her brother battled mental illness for many years, his physical health failed him in the end.
She remembers Vince, the last in-house Mercury cartoonist, as a larger-than-life character who loved pranks.
‘’He was always up to mischief and much of our time at work was a mix of hysterical practical jokes and much laughter. No-one was spared,’’ Karen said. ‘’He wasn’t the same after he left the Mercury, that bright light just kept getting dimmer.’’
Another former Mercury editor Nick Hartgerink said even the subjects of his satire appreciated his wicked sense of humour.
“No less of an authority than (former NSW Premier) Bob Carr considered Vince O’Farrell to be the best political cartoonist in Australia,” Mr Hartgerink said.
“That is quite a statement, but he was dead right. Vince had the ability to go right to the heart of the matter, with his superb drawings and clever one-liners.
“He sent up politicians mercilessly, and they loved him for it. (Former Wollongong mayor) David Campbell had a wonderful collection of O’Farrell cartoons – many of which lampooned him.’’
Vince’s role as a cartoonist changed dramatically over the years, from him spending eight hours hand-painting a cartoon to working in the digital space.
“Vince would retire to his room and ponder the day’s events, deciding on his target,’’ Mr Hartgerink recalls. ‘’He invariably hit the mark. I’d go down to see what he was up to, and hear chuckling coming through the door. He’d show me his idea, and I’d be chuckling too.
“Vince was also very brave, going public about his debilitating depression. That terrible illness forced him to miss months of work, but even when he was sick, if he could make it to work he would produce an outstanding cartoon.”
Illawarra artist’s caricature warfare had worldwide appeal
Vince O’Farrell was one of Australia’s most highly acclaimed political cartoonists, winning more than 20 national and state awards.
He began his career 36 years ago at the Innisfail Advocate in North Queensland, before progressing to the Cairns Post and settling at the Illawarra Mercury in 1986.
He was also part of a syndicate that created cartoons for hundreds of North American, British and Irish newspapers.
As well, his work was published in the Best Australian Political Cartoons each year from 2003 to 2013, the year he retired from the Mercury.
Politicians were his favourite targets with everyone from former Prime Ministers John Howard, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard to Illawarra representatives Noreen Hay and David Campbell featuring in his work.
His unique take on major events often drew global attention. His tear-stained Statue of Liberty cartoon after the September 11 attacks touched emotional chords all around the world after being circulated on an American internet site in 2001 for professional cartoonists.