Richard Briers, Beano fan.

Richard and his wife, Ann

Richard Briers, the actor, has died.
I met him a couple of years ago in Bournemouth at the unveiling of a plaque commemorating his comedy hero, Tony Hancock. He was suffering quite badly from emphysema at the time,and confessed he'd been a chain smoker for most of his life.

We shared a nice moment when, the following morning at breakfast, he noticed I was drawing a double-page spread of the Bash Street Kids (deadlines!!), and, turning to his wife, said "what a marvellous talent to have. I did love The Bash Street Kids, I looked forward to getting the Beano every Thursday. Imagine being able to draw lovely characters like Plug and Fatty all day!" I was frankly amazed that he would recognise what I was doing at all, but then he truly astonished me by turning directly to me and saying, with that famous chuckle: "Wilfrid's my favourite, with that jumper up to his nose!" A true connoisseur of The Beano!

Dave Davies (Kinks) & Richard Briers

I asked him about an old TV show he made in 1963-5 and he happily discussed it with me, saying he'd like to see it released on DVD but he thought the soundtrack was too degraded and hard to listen to. I'm happy to say the problem was fixed, as I took delivery of a double DVD set (Network) of 'Marriage Lines' just last week.

Sadly, his own health couldn't be fixed, and he died today, aged 79. He gave a lovely chat about Hancock at the Dinner the evening of the plaque unveiling, and shared some of the moments he felt made him special. Then he said " Most of all, he just made you happy to spend half an hour in his company!"

Same as you, Richard! 

Shame corner

I've been asked several times what was the first thing I drew- well, that was when I was around two years old and discovered holding a pencil was a really comfortable thing to do. I don't have that piece of 'art'. I do, however, have this (left) which is a series of sketches I made sitting in front of the TV in September 1965 watching the second episode of 'Thunderbirds'. Interesting to note, I was really going for the likenesses of the puppets- they look lifeless and limp, as if they're hanging up! I can identify all the characters, though, so, good job, little me! Don't know why Alan has no hands, though! And the detail of the costumes is pretty good. We must have had good reception on that old 22" Baird! This is one of only two drawings I have that predate my 1966/8 blitz making my own comics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the right is part of one of the pages that got me work with DC Thomson and IPC (Fleetway) back in October 1980. Some progression since 1965 (only 15 years!) but not enough- though there's a definite sign of ability- nice brushwork, and the colouring was what was particularly noted by Bill Stirton at Thomson's. The colours were done with Windsor & Newton inks. It was never published (obviously!) so I guess it's my copyright.

That's Who

This week's Radio Times (16-22 Feb) has a free gift- or rather, this week's two Radio Times have two free gifts- of 'Dr Who' postcards of earlier Radio Times covers, dating back to 1967. Including this spectacular one by Frank Bellamy in very high quality printing. Unfortunately it's one quarter of the normal cover size, but it's still a nice item to have.

It's official!

Not only will flyposters be prosecuted, but frowning is not allowed. It's a notice on the wall!

Lee Meriwether 1966

If you're wondering why the delightful Lee Meriwether is being interviewed dressed as a cat woman... then you're on the wrong blog! Here's the former Miss America in an informal TV chat about her role in the Batman movie, and an exciting new science-fiction show about a tunnel....takes you right back, doesn't it!

Sunday in Town

Oh, look who it is- it's me (in a nice Agent of SHIELD by Jim Steranko T Shirt) last Sunday night with my pal Harry Hill, after labouring over a fruity drink in a posh hotel.
But... was there more point to this recent meeting than a cheery hello and a nice chat? Funny you should ask....

Arthur, Stronger Than Ever!

Count Arthur Strong, [left] that paragon of confusion, annoyance and belligerence, is much appreciated by we cartoonists. Click on the video link here to find out why.

On the left is a pic from 2009 by Colin Fawcett of me with Count Arthur's real-life creator/writer, Mr Steve Delaney.

And stay tuned to this blog for more exciting developments regarding Count Arthur Strong very soon. Oh, and Buy The Beano.

Dundee's on the up...

...as you can see on this HUGE billboard (it's about 8 feet high!) they've put up! The rather nice drawings are by me and Nika, so if you're near the railway station up in Dundee, take a look!

Video demo

Maybe no-one will beinterested, but if you are, let me know!

DANDY on TV

You're probably wondering why I'm branded a liar on Scottish BBC One?! the answer is Just Dandy! There you'd have met cartoonists Tom Paterson, Nigel Auchterlounie, former Dandy editors Craig Graham, Morris Heggie, and many others who are closely associated with The Dandy of yesteryear, and some of the new team behind the digital Dandy of today.