Legendary Beano artist David, 89

David Sutherland, the artist who gave life to some of Britain’s bestloved comic characters, has died aged 89.

He was the creative force behind Beano’s Bash Street Kids from 1962 until he drew his final comic strip at the end of last year.

That illustration will appear in next week’s issue of Beano, to be published on Wednesday.

It will be the first and only piece of his artwork to be bylined, David Sutherland OBE, in recognition of the award he received in the New Year Honours.

David also drew Dennis the Menace for over two decades and Biffo the Bear, which he took over from his hero, Dudley D Watkins.

In his early years with newspaper, magazine and comic publisher DC Thomson of Dundee, David was understudy to legendary comic creators Leo Baxendale and David Law.

David was born in Invergordon in 1933, the youngest of three children.

Tragedy struck when his mother died when David was only two. His father had to work to support his three young children, so David and his siblings moved to Stirling where his father’s family were able to help bring up the children.

As soon as he left school, David joined Rex Studios in Glasgow where he learned the art trade, illustrating adverts for products.

David and his future wife, Margaret, met in Glasgow through friends and married in Kilsyth in 1958. They went on to have two of a family, Lorraine and Fiona.

In 1959, David entered a drawing competition organised by DC Thomson.

His artwork made such an impression that he was invited to illustrate adventure strips for Beano.

His wife, Margaret, recalled that time: “The editor of The Beano, Harry Cramond, came to Glasgow and offered him a job.

“Harry was an older man who was an inspiration to David and became a great mentor. When David was awarded the OBE, Harry’s family got in touch to congratulate him.”

PROLIFIC: David Sutherland worked on the Beano.