The University of Dundee is to host a free exhibition of art by Ian Kennedy in its Lamb Gallery, opening Saturday 18th February – and there will be a special event on Friday 3rd March, too.
Ian Kennedy (1932 – 2022) is a legend in British comics. Acclaimed and respected by fans and fellow artists, his career in comics spanned over 70 years.
Born and educated in Dundee, Ian began work as a trainee illustrator in the Art Department at DC Thomson & Co in 1949. In 1954, he became a freelance artist and began doing work for Amalgamated Press in London as well as Thomson in Dundee. He became particularly known for his work in war comics, which led to his long association with DC Thomson’s Commando, illustrating well over a thousand covers between 1970 and 2022.
In the late 1970s he moved more into science fiction and fantasy, creating work for 2000AD and Starblazer as well as drawing Dan Dare for the relaunched Eagle. Although semi-retired from 1997, Ian continued to work on Commando and other projects up until his death last year.
“Ian left behind a huge legacy that will continue to inspire comics fans for generations to come,” say the exhibition organisers. “We are delighted to present this exhibition featuring a selection of original art from Ian’s studio and from the collections of DC Thomson.”
“It’s fantastic to be hosting this exhibition at the University, and in Ian’s home town of Dundee,” says Phillip Vaughan, who was a friend of Ian’s, and integral to bringing this new exhibition to life. “Ian even taught comics at the art college, so it is poignant that the work is displayed here.
“I would like to especially thank Ian’s family, Matthew Jarron (curator at the University of Dundee), Chris Murray, Gordon Tait and David Powell from DC Thomson, for their work in putting this exhibition together.”
In lieu of a launch event, we will be doing a celebration of Ian’s life and work on Friday the 3rd March in the Lamb Gallery at the University. This “celebration event” will be open to everyone taking place at 5.00 – 6.30 pm, and will include an informal tour of the exhibition by Phillip.
A more formal event, perhaps with other artists and editors, may take place later in the run.
If you’re at Dundee Comic Con today, be sure to check in at the DC Thomson stand for more information.
• Ian Kennedy – Celebrating a Comics Legend Saturday 18th February 2023 – Saturday 6th May 2023, The Lamb Gallery, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN | Free but booking advised – book here | Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 7.00pm, Saturday 11.00am – 4.00pm | Further information here
• Read tributes to Ian Kennedy on downthetubes here
• Buy The Art of Ian Kennedy (AmazonUK Affiliate Link)
The Art of Ian Kennedy is dedicated to a true master of the comics medium. The book contains original pages and sketches from Kennedy’s illustrious career at DC Thomson. It is a celebration of seventy years of true comics genius who illustrated publications as diverse as The Topper, Warlord, Lucky Charm, Starblazer or Commando.
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: British Comics, Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions
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