The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Beano to be celebrated at McMenace
Iconic comic characters will feature in display
Children from one of the country’s most unruly schools have overrun a city centre art gallery in celebration of their 80th birthday.
The McManus Gallery will feature a very special “menacing” exhibition this summer commemorating one of Dundee’s most famous exports, The Beano.
An exhibit focusing on favourites The Bash Street Kids and the comic’s birth will take place in the centre from June 2 and the gallery will be temporarily renamed the McMenace for its fivemonth duration.
The Beano was launched in Dundee in 1937 at DC Thomson’s Meadowside headquarters.
Inspired by children playing in the grounds of the adjacent High School of Dundee, comic artists created the iconic Bash Street Kids, who spend the majority of their time getting up to high jinks and mischief – much to the chagrin of mortar-board-wearing Teacher.
Other classic characters who will feature include Dennis and Gnasher, Roger the Dodger and Minnie the Minx.
Sinclair Aitken, chairman of Leisure and Culture Dundee, said they could not wait to start the birthday celebrations.
He said: “We think that the Beano’s 80th is an outstanding achievement, its influence shows the test of time as it is still so incredibly popular with children today.
“We can’t wait to celebrate the birthday of this comic in its hometown. They have created so many iconic characters through the years from Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx to the fantastic Bash Street Kids.”
Mike Stirling, head of Beano Studios Scotland, said: “Dundee is the home town of The Dandy and Beano, and so for us, there is no better partner than The McManus to celebrate our 80th milestone with.
“The exhibit will offer fans a glimpse into the history of the comics and showcase the rebellious and fun characters of the comics throughout the ages and display how they still connect with children today.”
The exhibition will be free to enter and will run from June 2 to October 21.