Oarsome Foursome cartoon
Maker
Eric Lobbecke
Date1998
Object number00034279
NameCartoon
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 195 x 146 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from News Limited
DescriptionThe Australian Coxless Fours rowing crew dubbed the 'Oarsome Foursome' are illustrated in this original cartoon by Eric Löbbecke, staff cartoonist at 'The Australian' newspaper. It was published alongside an article on December 1 1998 about the famous Australian rowing crew's intention to trademark their nickname to prevent others from using it.HistoryThe team of Melbourne rowers known as the Oarsome Foursome won successive Olympic gold medals in 1992 and 1996 in the Men's Coxless Four rowing event. During the late 1990s sponsors embraced the Oarsome Foursome as sporting heroes. Through their long career they have been used in marketing campaigns to sell beer, banks, cars, underwear and tinned fruit. The genial public face of the four, with their good looks, easy laconic humour, disregard for authority and courage under fire, have been carefully managed by a team the crew signed up with after they won their first gold medal.
A large part of their sponsorship success has been due to the catchy Oarsome Foursome nickname. Coined by a Melbourne journalist in 1990, and synonymous with the crew's sporting achievement, the name was fundamental in lifting the profile of the team. Their nickname has now become integral to their success as a marketing entity.SignificanceIn 1998 the Oarsome Foursome registered their name and logo with the Trademark Office, giving them exclusive rights to use it within Australia. This cartoon captures a contemporary reading of this decision to copyright a sporting nickname.
