'Walkies' and 'Pink Tie & Hanky': sculptures from Billy Connolly

Like comedy, sculpture has long been a way for people to share stories. And few people have a more interesting tale to tell than the award-winning actor, musician and comedian Billy Connolly. Famed for his incredible wit, the Glasgow native, who retired from stand-up comedy in 2020, has turned his hand to fine art, with his Born On A Rainy Day collection bringing humour to homes since 2012. 

To add to his portfolio of hand-signed limited edition prints, 'The Big Yin' has masterminded two stainless steel sculptures. Inspired by two iconic, sold-out prints from his first-ever release, 'Walkies' and 'Pink Tie & Hanky' feature his signature anonymous figures, plus an adorable dog. Created from Billy's original drawings, they were cast in metal to reflect his past as a welder in the Glaswegian shipyards, and each sculpture features a cast of Billy's signature to signify his approval throughout the design process. 

The original sculptures were created in clay, with Billy's detailed lines and patterns recreated by a specialist atelier team before being cast in stainless steel. The effects of light and shade, also known as chiaroscuro, are highlighted by the ridges and the reflection of light. Further details include the black granite base, hand-painted tie and pocket square, and contrast between the patterns and highly-polished areas such as the figures' miniature shoes. 

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Billy's past as a welder shares more in common with the art of sculpture than you may think. The use of a welding torch as a sculptor's tool was brought to light in the 20th century by the Catalan artist Julio González, an acquaintance of Pablo Picasso who came from a long line of metalsmith workers. In the 1930s, as industrial processes like arc welding (using electricity to bind metal) were adapted for aesthetic purposes, welding was increasingly used for sculpture. 

Other artists who use the welding technique for their original sculptures include Steve Winterburn, Roxy Winterburn, Frédéric DatyBob Dylan and Lorenzo Quinn. The transformative nature of metals - including brass, bronze, stainless steel, aluminium and copper - ensures that no matter the style of art, it makes an impact. 

Featured art: 'Walkies' by Billy Connolly, £6,950. Stainless steel sculpture. Also available as a set of two, £12,000. 

Mixing sculpture with prints

If you are lucky enough to own the sold-out print editions of 'Pink Tie & Hanky' and 'Walkies', Billy's new sculptures could add something special to your collection. Or pair with his new, more colourful limited edition prints for contrast. 

Mixing 2D and 3D art adds texture to a room, balancing colours and shapes. As sculptures can be moved to suit your home décor, they can become an accent piece or central focus, introducing another dimension to your bookshelves, table or mantlepiece. 

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"I don't know quite what it's about, but I'm enjoying doing it."

Billy Connolly

Featured Artist

From the blog

Billy Connolly - Making life more colourful

22/09/2022

The artist celebrates a decade with Castle Fine Art – and his upcoming 80th birthday – with eye-popping new limited-edition silkscreen artworks and sculptures as the latest instalment of his acclaimed Born on a Rainy Day collection

Discover Stephen Roby's debut collection

17/06/2021

We're delighted to unveil a spectacular series of original works by the British painter Stephen Roby, who has has now joined our international family of contemporary artists. 

Flying Free with Billy Connolly on his 80th birthday

03/11/2022

Billy Connolly launches 'Free Flight Variations', a limited edition series of 365 pieces, every single one unique.

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