David Sutherland illustrated the Beano for 60 years: we look at celebrities who featured in the comic

David Sutherland, the artist behind the Beano's Bash Street Kids, has died, aged 89.

Described as the 'single most important illustrator in Beano history' by the editor of the children's comic, David was drawing up until a month before his death.

Editor John Anderson said Mr Sutherland's contribution to the comic and British comic history would never be matched.

"No one will ever repeat what David achieved over 60 years. He was one of a kind, a genuine legend. It is the end of an era," he said.

"Given that David started working in 1959 and had been drawing The Bash Street Kids since 1962, he is the single most important illustrator in Beano history."

His wife, Margaret, said her husband "only put his pen down last month when he took ill".

"Drawing was his life; it made us forget the age he was. He was getting older but we never noticed it," she added.

"He just kept going and the editors remained happy with his work."

Sutherland’s work with DC Thomson began in 1959 when he entered a drawing competition organised by the company. Although he did not win, his entry made a good impression and he was offered the chance to illustrate adventure strips for the comic such as Danny on a Dolphin and The Great Flood Of London.

His talent was recognised and he was soon working on some of the most famous Beano strips, and understudied for established comic creators.

After his OBE was announced in December Mr Sutherland said: "When I entered the DC Thomson art competition more than 60 years ago, I couldn't have guessed where it might lead.

"I've been so lucky to be able to do something I love for a living, and work with so many talented writers whose words have helped bring these characters to life."

One of his comic strips was one of the original exhibits at The V&A design museum when it opened in Dundee.

David is survived by his wife, Margaret, their two daughters and three grandchildren. His legacy of artwork lives on in his huge catalogue of work.

We look at some famous faces who have graced the Beano over the years...

David Beckham

David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson were among the cast of celebrities making an appearance in the 75th anniversary issue of comic book The Beano in 2013.

In 'Dennis the Menace and Gnasher and David Beckham!', Beckham decides to move to Beanotown. An undercover Dennis the Menace helps him find a home. The only problem being that it is beside Sir Alex Ferguson's new house.

Andy Murray and Judy Murray

Andy Murray fulfilled most boys’ childhood dreams by appearing in The Beano. The anniversary Beano in 2013 to celebrate 75 years featured the tennis legend and his mother, Judy.

The story was reworked once the Wimbledon final result was known – with a new frame poking fun at how Murray forgot to hug mum Judy when he climbed up to his players’ box after winning the Wimbledon title in 2013.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford guest-edited a special edition of the Beano in 2022, as well as appearing on the comic’s front cover.

The footballer and campaigner also made several appearances throughout the special edition, alongside popular characters including the Bash Street Kids and Billy Whizz.

In the letter he said his favourite thing about the Beano was how the comic 'brings together all sorts of different children'.

He added: "Instead of our differences dividing us, we embrace them here, and we find strength in them. We should be celebrating all things that make each of us unique."