Ian Kennedy - Celebrating a Comics Legend

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Commando illustration by Ian Kennedy
Starblazer cover by Ian Kennedy
Design and Art Public engagement

An exhibition in the Lamb Gallery

Open Mon-Fri 09.30am-7pm, Sat 11am-4pm

Ian Kennedy (1932-2022) is a legend in British comics. Acclaimed and respected by fans and fellow artists, his career in comics spanned over 70 years. 

Born and educated in Dundee, Ian began work as a trainee illustrator in the Art Department at DC Thomson & Co in 1949. In 1954 he became a freelance artist and began doing work for Amalgamated Press in London as well as Thomson in Dundee. He became particularly known for his work in war comics, which led to his long association with DC Thomson’s Commando, illustrating well over a thousand covers between 1970 and 2022. In the late 1970s he moved more into science fiction and fantasy, creating work for 2000AD and Starblazer as well as drawing Dan Dare for the relaunched Eagle. Although semi-retired from 1997, Ian continued to work on Commando and other projects up until his death last year.

Ian leaves behind a huge legacy that will continue to inspire comics fans for generations to come. We are delighted to present this exhibition featuring a selection of original art from Ian's studio and from the collections of DC Thomson.

Background image: Cover illustration for Starblazer - The Secret of Soma, 1980 (on loan from DC Thomson & Co Ltd)

Main image: Cover illustration for Commando - Seek and Strike, 1970 (on loan from the artist's family, (c) DC Thomson & Co Ltd)

Join us for a celebration event and guided tour on Friday 3 March 5-6.30pm

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Free
Matthew Jarron
Curator
University of Dundee Museums Art and Design courses
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An exhibition of original work by the acclaimed comics artist
Staff Students
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