Painting by Broons creator found

The painting was discovered after more than 50 years

A painting of Christ's crucifixion by the creator of some of Scotland's best known cartoon characters has been discovered after more than 50 years.

Cartoonist Dudley D Watkins, who created Oor Wullie and The Broons, presented the painting to family friend Jean Kinnell in 1951.

The ink and watercolour picture, which measures about 2ft by 3ft, has hung in Mrs Kinnell's home in Lochgelly, Fife.

It was discovered by chance by a visitor to the property.

Gillian Parsons, development officer with Arts & Theatres Fife at the Lochgelly Arts Centre, was preparing an exhibition of oil paintings by Mrs Kinnell's late husband, Jack, when she spotted the painting.

She said: "It's a highly intricate piece of art, instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with Watkins' work.

"I find it a very thought provoking picture. It's disturbing to see distress on the faces of characters just like those in Oor Wullie or The Broons which you've been familiar with since childhood."

Mrs Kinnell said that Watkins often attended the services of her father in law, James Kinnell, a lay preacher with the Church of Christ in Cowdenbeath.

She said that Watkins, who regularly discussed the Bible with her husband's family, one day presented her with the painting contained in a roll of cardboard.