After 17 years of putting his finger on the pulse of local politics, Royal Gazette cartoonist Peter Woolcock will display 40 of his best cartoons.

Starting Friday, the classic cartoons about local politics and events will be shown in the City Hall lobby for about two months.

Always at a loss for the success of his work, Mr. Woolcock said the 40 pieces were not necessarily his favourites, most popular works or even the most controversial.

They are, he said, "milestones'' in his political cartooning career which began in Bermuda in 1993.

"I suspect people will ask how I didn't include such and such piece which they love,'' Mr. Woolcock said.

"But my criteria for choosing some of these is that they be milestones, combined with the way they came out drawing-wise.'' Mr. Woolcock added: "This is just a one-off thing. I have always been asked why I didn't have a show.

"I guess you could say that some of them are my favourites. It's been an interesting exercise, I'll tell you that.'' Topics from the last 13 years include the airport renovation woes, lobster pots and fishermen, independence and the "gang of five'' United Bermuda Party dissidents and the former Police Commissioner Colin Coxall affair.

Speaking about the two lizards who often make the most controversial statements about the topic of the day, Mr. Woolcock said: "The lizards have threatened to take over.

"People say they read them first but I find that shocking,'' he added. "Sort of, madam, you're putting the cart before the horse! All the familiar faces are in there, including Ottiwell Simmons who appears to have the record for appearances.'' The always mysterious Mr. Woolcock admitted the show would not have a gala opening ceremony, adding: "Par for the course, really.'' Peter Woolcock: The classic cartoons about local politics and events will be shown in the City Hall lobby for about two months starting on Friday.