Oor Wullie, Judge Dredd and Rupert the Bear are at the ‘art’ of a new exhibition which focuses on comic strips and creators in Scotland this summer.
The Lillie Art Gallery, in Milngavie, is hosting “Comics Stripped!” until 15th August 2024 – a free display which goes behind the scenes of some of the medium’s most iconic creations and Scotland’s pivotal role.
This is the first time this exhibition has been shown anywhere other than Dundee and is an exclusive expanded version.
As a bonus, you can also check out the “Young People’s Exhibition 2024” – showcasing amazing comics, graphics and works produced by budding artists who have been taking part in East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture (EDLC) Trust’s Get Creative Saturday Art Classes. It’s also on at the Lillie until 15th August.
“Comics Stripped!” focuses on the production of comics and how the process has changed over time. As well as stunning artwork, the exhibition also features fascinating examples of printing plates, corrections, colour proofs and more.
It includes major publishers and independent artists, with original works featuring Scottish scamp Oor Wullie, futuristic lawman Judge Dredd and the tartan-trousered Rupert the Bear.
Karin Jackson, General Manager of EDLC Trust, said, “Scotland has played a crucial role in the development of comics over the years, particularly due to the dominance of Dundee firm DC Thomson & Co Ltd, publishers of The Beano, now one of the world’s longest-running comics.
“This free exhibition features many examples of work by DC Thomson artists and other important Scottish creators – including 2000AD and Judge Dredd legend Colin MacNeil, famous Oor Wullie artist Dudley D Watkins and the late David Sutherland, who drew ‘The Bash Street Kids’ for an incredible 61 years.
“As well as the comic art on show, the exhibition also includes fine works by contemporary Scottish artists who have been inspired by the medium of comics.”
The artwork on display in ‘Comics Stripped!’ is from the University of Dundee Museums, which hold Scotland’s only public museum collection of original comic art – a cornucopia of creativity from both Scottish and international creators.
The exhibition has been co-curated with Matthew Jarron, Curator of the University of Dundee Museums, with the help of Zu Dominiak – comics creator and lecturer.
• ‘Comics Stripped’ and the ‘Young People’s Exhibition 2024’ are on until 15 August 2024 at The Lillie Art Gallery – Station Road, Milngavie, G62 8BZ | Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10.00am – 1.00pm and 2.00 – 5.00pm. Admission is free | For more venue information, call 0141 956 5536 or visit edlc.co.uk/venues/lillie-art-gallery
• Follow the Council on Facebook | Instagram | X | Follow the Trust on X @EDLC_Culture or like the page at facebook.com/EDLCCulture
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: 2000AD, British Comics, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions