Drawing About Trump

In London

My recent trip to London coincided with Trump’s state visit on June 4th. The media predicted protests- as did my taxi driver the day before, who, in a genteel sort of British way, offered the opinion that the protestors needed to get a job.

So I went downtown that morning of Trump’s state visit, in search of protest-like activity. Admittedly, I was also in search of the infamous balloon that appeared the last time Trump came to London.

Upon exiting the Tube at Westminster, the Trump baby balloon (above) was immediately in front of me. I spent the next hour or so drawing what I saw, sitting on a stone wall and listening to all the activity around me. Sitting next to me, I heard an American and a Brit discussing politics, and as I drew, people came and went- some there to express their political ideas, others passing through. The signage was mixed and not as creative as some I’d seen in US marches. There were supporters of the President, too, shouting “Welcome Trump!” . The anti-trump contingent was much greater and significantly louder, yelling back. But both were there. There were religious Jesus chanters and Hare Krishnas, taking advantage of the gathered crowd. Many were in support of Trump.