DC Thomson to host free exhibition celebrating 90 years of Oor Wullie and The Broons in Dundee

The Broons and Oor Wullie were first published in Dundee by DC Thomson in 1936 (Picture: National Library of Scotland / Supplied)

A special exhibition celebrating the 90th anniversary of two of Scotland’s most iconic comic creations, Oor Wullie and The Broons, is coming to Dundee later this month.

The National Library of Scotland and DC Thomson have joined forces to mark nine decades since the much-loved characters first appeared in Scottish newspapers, with a series of free public events taking place in Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow between 24 and 26 July.

In Dundee, visitors will have the opportunity to step inside DC Thomson’s headquarters to explore a unique display featuring rare items from the publisher’s archives, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of two characters that have become woven into Scotland’s cultural identity.

The exhibition will showcase historic artwork, archive material and memorabilia celebrating the enduring popularity of Oor Wullie and The Broons, whose stories have entertained generations of readers since they first appeared in The Sunday Post in 1936.

Unlike the other locations taking part in the celebrations, Dundee’s display will remain open beyond the main event weekend, continuing until 30 July to give even more people the opportunity to explore the exhibition.

Alongside the archive displays, visitors can also enjoy free family-friendly activities, interactive experiences and giveaways designed to celebrate the rich history of Scotland’s best-loved comic characters.

The anniversary celebrations are being organised in partnership with the National Library of Scotland, whose collections include a wealth of material documenting the history of Scottish publishing, comics and popular culture.

For many people, Oor Wullie and The Broons have become far more than comic strips, representing generations of family memories and a shared part of Scotland’s cultural heritage that continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

The free exhibition at DC Thomson offers a rare opportunity to see archive material that is not normally on public display while celebrating 90 years of two icons that remain firmly at the heart of Scottish popular culture.