Beano Studios partners with iconic Scottish monument The Kelpies to launch new product range.
David Sutherland, the renowned Beano artist, who has been drawing Dennis and The Bash Street Kids for more than 55 years, has now captured the latest adventures of Dennis and his faithful dog Gnasher in an extra-special comic strip which sees the duo visit the iconic Scottish landmark, The Kelpies.
The all-new artwork sees the infamous Beano characters creating 100ft effigies of themselves next to the 30-metre-high horse head sculptures. The new illustrations were inspired by David’s trip to the Scottish landmark, designed by his friend the Scottish sculptor, Andy Scott.
The new comic strip will feature on a range of merchandise including cushions, mugs, water bottles and tote bags, and is available to purchase from 17th March 2018. The launch of the Beano X Kelpies product range coincides with the anniversary of Dennis’ first appearance in print, in issue 452 of Beano on 17th March 1951.
David Sutherland, one of Beano’s most famous and beloved artists, responsible for The Bash Street Kids and Dennis the Menace (1970 – 1998), gifted The Kelpies sculptor Andy Scott the bespoke comic strip after they visited The Kelpies in Scotland together.
The Kelpies sculptures are 100ft (30m) tall. Located in Falkrik, Central Scotland, they are the largest public artworks based in the UK. Inaugurated in 2014, the sculptures have gone on to win numerous awards and attract millions of visitors to the site year on year.
Scottish sculptor, Andy Scott, said: “I’m delighted to see the wonderful engineering adaptation of The Kelpies by those other Scottish icons, Dennis and Gnasher. On a personal level, I’ve known their artist David Sutherland for many years and visited The Kelpies with him and his family a couple of years ago.
Dennis and Gnasher have brought smiles to the faces of generations of youngsters, myself included when I was a boy, and it’s a real pleasure to see their unique sense of mischief so skillfully brought to life with the Kelpies.
We’re delighted to work with David and Beano Studios, to bring this range of merchandise to the public and hope they add a new light-hearted dimension to the visitor’s experience when visiting The Kelpies.”
“Millions of visitors have stood in the shadow of The Kelpies since their construction but we’ve never welcomed anyone like Dennis and Gnasher. It’s fantastic to see these icons brought together in the new product range.''
Renowned Beano artist, David Sutherland, said: “I have long been an admirer of Andy’s work and have seen many sculptures fashioned by his hands – then along came ‘The Kelpies’. Seeing these iconic sculptures first-hand was an incredible experience and it felt almost as though they had come to life.
Each time I draw ‘Dennis and Gnasher’ they also take on a life of their own. In this instance, Dennis and Gnasher decided to steal a little of Andrew’s fame, by helping themselves to a few bus panels and they created their own sculptures. I feel they did a good job, not to outdo Andy’s sculptures, but to keep ‘The Kelpies’ company!’
Andy is a dear friend of mine, and I’m thrilled that we’re able to work together to release a limited range of merchandise for fans of both Beano and The Kelpies to enjoy”.
To celebrate the launch, there will be a limited edition of 48 prints of the artwork, signed by both artists, available to buy at the Helix Visitor Centre and Falkirk Wheel’s shop. The range of products has been manufactured by Star Editions who are based in the UK.
The product launch of the Beano X Kelpies range will be available to buy from Saturday 17th March 2018, from the following outlets:
- Falkirk Wheel shop
- Falkirk on-site Helix Visitor centre
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum shop, Glasgow
- The Horsebox Café & Gift Shop at The Kelpies