An artist has accused a games company of being “woke” after being instructed to remove the St George’s flag from one of his jigsaw puzzle designs. Mike Jupp, a 77-year-old cartoonist, claimed that Gibsons Games demanded the alteration as part of a diversity and inclusion initiative. The puzzle in question, ‘I love Spring’, features a bustling village scene and became the focal point of the dispute.
Jupp revealed that the company also requested the removal of other elements from his artwork, including a busty woman in a bathtub, Morris dancers, and even a bull drooling over a cow in lingerie. The artist expressed frustration as he was asked to apply these changes not only to new designs but also to his entire existing collection of puzzles. This directive marked a significant shift in his long-standing relationship with Gibsons Games.
Having collaborated with the family-owned company for over 25 years, Jupp explained that the situation changed when the founder’s daughter took over the business. He recounted the absurd demands made by the new management, leading him to sever ties with the company and withdraw his licenses. Despite initially agreeing to the alterations, Jupp eventually felt disrespected and decided to part ways with Gibsons Games.
Reflecting on the experience, Jupp emphasized the importance of artistic freedom and humor in his work. He criticized the imposition of restrictions on his creative expression, deeming it disrespectful and frustrating. The artist highlighted that such demands were driven by a minority faction in society and did not align with his values as a cartoonist.
Following the fallout with Gibsons Games, Jupp found a new partnership with All Jigsaw Puzzles, a smaller company based in Devon. He expressed his enthusiasm for creating humorous and engaging designs that resonate with his audience. Despite the challenges faced, Jupp remained dedicated to his craft and the joy it brings to puzzle enthusiasts.
In response to the controversy, Kate Gibson, the Managing Director of Gibsons Games, issued a brief statement reaffirming the company’s commitment to its values. While wishing Jupp success in his future endeavors, Gibsons Games refrained from delving into the specifics of the allegations raised by the artist.
As the dispute unfolded, Jupp injected humor into the situation by suggesting a geographical relocation of the company’s headquarters from Sutton to Woking. The lighthearted comment underscored the tensions surrounding the clash between artistic expression and corporate expectations in the context of diversity and inclusion initiatives.
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