Saturday 30 April 2016

DUDLEY D. WATKINS' LAST BIFFO...


Image copyright D.C. THOMSON & Co., Ltd

When DUDLEY D. WATKINS, D.C. THOMSON's top artist, died on August 20th 1969 of a heart attack at his drawing board, he left a pencilled page of BIFFO The BEAR on which he'd been working.  DAVE SUTHERLAND inked it and it was published in The BEANO a couple of months later in #1423.  Dave then took over the feature, being extremely adept at imitating the styles of other artists, like LEO BAXENDALE, PADDY BRENNAN, and, not long after, DAVEY LAW.

Had it not been for this remarkable artist continuing various features in the styles of others, it's doubtful whether they would have maintained their popularity for as long as they did.  DCT owe him a debt of gratitude for his many years of service.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Perhaps that's the best way to go - like when Tommy Cooper dropped dead on stage.

Kid said...

If there is a 'best' way to go, CJ, I'd say it's painlessly and peacefully in one's sleep, after a great day that seemed to stretch forever in the most pleasant way, before bed beckoned in the most alluring fashion.

George Shiers said...

Don't think I've seen this one. Great stuff - thanks for sharing

Kid said...

Nae bother, GS - glad you like it.



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