26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Exhibition is proof Malky was drawn to the funny side of life
'Discovering Malky McCormick' is more than just an exhibition, however. It's also a behind-the-scenes look at how a museum prepares to celebrate the life and legacy of an artist whose work has brought smiles to generations.
This preview exhibition marks the beginning of a journey toward the highly-anticipated and larger scale 'Malky McCormick: A Life in Colour' event, scheduled for 2026 in the museum's Main Gallery.
In the meantime, 'Discovering Malky McCormick' invites the public to explore some of Malky's most iconic pieces and learn more about the process of cataloguing and curating his expansive body of work.
Malky, widely regarded as Scotland's best-known cartoonist, was born in Glasgow and later settled near Kilmarnock – a move that deeply influenced his artistic output.
Through his humorous illustrations, Malky captured the quirks and charms of Scottish life, often drawing inspiration from his surroundings in Ayrshire. His distinctive use of the Scots language and clever observations on everyday life earned him admiration across the country.
With a career that spanned decades, Malky's work featured in newspapers, magazines, books and even television.
His illustrations are known not only for their humour but also for their warmth, wit, and insight into Scottish culture. This exhibition brings together examples from across his career, highlighting the breadth of his talent and the lasting relevance of his work.
(Image: Curator Jestein Gibson and intern Ruby Davidson)
What makes 'Discovering Malky McCormick' especially engaging is its interactive approach. The exhibition has been designed with families in mind, making it a lively and participatory experience.
Young visitors, and those young at heart, can explore the Future Malkys Art Station, where art materials are provided for anyone inspired to create their own cartoon masterpiece. Completed artworks are proudly displayed on the gallery wall, celebrating the creativity Malky's work continues to inspire.
In the Win, Lose or Draw area, visitors can step into the shoes of a gameshow contestant. Based on the popular 1990s STV television show where Malky was the resident artist, this hands-on section allows friends and families to test their drawing and guessing skills in a playful homage to his television days.
For quieter moments, the exhibition also includes a cosy mini-library filled with Malky-inspired books for all ages. Visitors can relax and enjoy stories that echo the humour and heart of Malky's illustrations.
The exhibition trail, Whaurs Malky?, adds another layer of fun, encouraging visitors to spot hidden Malkys scattered throughout the gallery. It's a playful way to explore the exhibition and keep younger guests engaged.
Every Saturday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, visitors can meet with members of the museum team in the gallery. These informal sessions offer insight into the curatorial work involved in preparing a major exhibition. From cataloguing Malky's archive to selecting and preserving artworks, it's a rare opportunity to learn what goes on behind closed doors in a museum setting.
'Discovering Malky McCormick' is now open at The Dick Institute, Kilmarnock. Entry is free
