FORMER Tory minister Lord Kenneth Baker is giving a talk on the life and strife of George IV, as seen through the eyes of political cartoonists.

As Margaret Thatcher's Education Secretary, Baker was no stranger to caricature himself. His puppet was a regular fixture on Spitting Image.

Lord Baker says his talk will be illustrated with cartoons from his own collection, which appear is his new book, George IV: A Life In Caricature.

The controversial king was an easy target for the political satirists. As Prince Regent he was known as a gambler and a drunkard.

But as an aesthete he gave his name to the elegant Regency style of architecture and design. He was regarded as London's finest town planner.

George IV: Cad or Catalyst?, Greenwich University, King William Court, Park Row, Greenwich, February 1, 7.30pm for 8pm, £10 includes glass of wine, call Friends of Greenwich on 020 8853 2150.