80 years of The Beano celebrated this weekend

Scotland’s favourite comic is this year marking its 80th birthday – and a special celebration is taking place this Saturday.

The Beano was first published in 1938, and to mark the occasion, a one-day pop-up exhibition will feature highlights from the National Library of Scotland’s extensive Beano collection – from decades-old summer specials to the latest editions.

It will include a comic from 1952 that featured an early appearance of Dennis the Menace on the front cover. Despite being the most famous Beano character for many, he didn’t get regular front cover status until 1974.

The exhibition will take place at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow this Saturday (28 July).

Original artwork by legendary artists Leo Baxendale, David Law and David Sutherland from publisher D C Thomson’s archives will also be on display.

Graeme Hawley, head of general collections at the Library, said: ‘The Beano is the world’s longest-running comic, introducing much-loved and popular characters such as Dennis and Gnasher, Minnie the Minx and the Bash Street Kids to millions of households throughout Britain.

‘Its Scottish origins make it a particularly important title for us to collect and treasure for the nation, and we continue to collect all the latest editions.

‘The first edition is extremely rare, with only a few copies believed to be in existence. We’re delighted to be celebrating the beloved comic’s birthday by offering members of the public the full Beano experience.’

A range of free activities for children aged 5–100 will also be on offer at the birthday bash, including themed football sessions at the sports centre, a prank workshop, an animation workshop, and a ‘whoopee’ noise listening post.

Minnie the Minx artwork from 1955

The one-day pop-up exhibition is made possible by a partnership with Glasgow Life, Beano Studios and DC Thomson & Co. Ltd.

Mike Stirling, head of Beano Studios Scotland, said: ‘There were nearly half a million copies of the first issue of Beano printed, but less than thirty are thought to remain, mainly in private collections, so this is an amazing opportunity for as many as people as possible to encounter one of the most sought after comics on the planet!

‘It’s arguably the most important single issue of a comic in history – the very first of billions of Beanos! Something which has been passed down through generations. It’s amazing to think that this was just the beginning of what has become the world’s longest running comic and I hope it inspires visitors to enjoy our past and become involved in our exciting future.’

Estimates vary but it is believed that between 12 and 25 copies of the first Beano have survived.

The very first Beano cost two old pennies. Its 28 pages were a mixture of funny comic strips and text adventure stories. The cover star of the first edition (and for the first 10 years) was Big Eggo, an ostrich in constant search for his lost egg. The troubled ostrich lost his front page position to Biffo the Bear in 1948.

The Beano was an instant success and by 1950, each issue was selling close to 2 million copies. Its popularity continues to this day with a comic sold every 17 seconds.

The Beano pop-up day takes place from 10am–4pm on Saturday 28 July at the National Library of Scotland, Kelvin Hall, 1445 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AW.

Beano character dress-up is encouraged but not essential. Entry is free.