“Here is a man and artist of superior calibre”: that’s how actor Johnny Depp describes Kent cartoonist Ralph Steadman.

And he should know, the Pirates of the Caribbean star has worked with Ralph and the two are good friends.

Ralph, who lives in Loose, near Maidstone, is famous for his long collaboration with the writer Hunter S Thompson, most notably providing illustrations for the novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and helping to create what has come to be known as Gonzo journalism.

Now a collection of Ralph’s drawings are on show until Saturday, February 28 at Maidstone Museum in a retrospective exhibition celebrating his career.

The exhibition, created by the Cartoon Museum in London, explores the full range of his portfolio, from early work published by Private Eye and Punch, to his later illustrated books including Alice in Wonderland.

Depp, who starred in the movie adaptation of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and worked with Ralph on the documentary For No Good Reason, added: “Ralph is an icon, his topical, political renderings iconic, his mad jargon a paragon of artistic brilliance.”

ASK RALPH

On the last Thursday of every month, Maidstone Museum is now open late for an evening of special events. This month’s Museum Late is themed around Ralph and his current exhibition.

The evening on Thursday, January 29 will begin with a talk by Anita O’Brien, curator of the Cartoon Museum in London, on putting together the ‘Ralph Steadman: A Retrospective’ exhibition, as well as insights into the work of this great artist.

Shortly after, Ralph Steadman himself will make a virtual appearance for a special and intimate Skype Q&A. The floor will be open for anyone from the audience to ask questions, with the most interesting question, as decided by Ralph himself, rewarded with a prize.

Museum late starts from 5.30pm on Thursday, January 29.

The exhibition in Maidstone Museum is currently running until Saturday, February 28. Adults £3, concessions £2. Visit www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk or call 01622 602838.