Sir Billy Connolly has unveiled a new collection of limited-edition artworks inspired by some of the most personal and memorable moments of his life.
The comedian, actor and artist – affectionately known as The Big Yin – has released four pieces as part of his long-running Born on a Rainy Day series, available exclusively through Castle Fine Art.
Each artwork recalls episodes from his career and family life, ranging from sharing the stage with Sir Elton John in the 1970s to road trips across Scotland with his young children.
Connolly, 81, said he has finally embraced describing his art as “beautiful” after years of self-doubt.
“I would never dream of saying it before for the chance that somebody would say ‘it’s crap, you’re no good.’ But I’m quite good. I can make people smile and feel happy. It’s great.”
Among the works is Saturday Night, which depicts a piano player in flamboyant technicolour. Though not modelled on anyone in particular, Connolly admits the figure’s trademark “leg thing” is a nod to Sir Elton.
Explaining the story behind it, he fondly remembers being the Rocketman singer’s support act, saying: “It was that point of the show where he backheeled the stool and it tumbled off the stage. The roadies all dived so that it didn’t break.”
Another piece, Sausage Tree, takes inspiration from a day exploring the Scottish countryside with his children, when his daughter nicknamed a plant with sausage-shaped pods.
Despite his love for his homeland, Connolly insists Scotland is “not a place for sunbathing.”
Sunburned captures a lobster-red Scotsman in his own tartan design, inspired by a stand-up routine in which he joked: “I’m actually pale blue, it takes me a week of sunbathing to turn white.”
The fourth piece, Fly Away Peter, shows a multicoloured figure surrounded by free-flying birds, reflecting his playful humour and lifelong love of bold colour.
Connolly revealed his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis in 2013, which left him unable to write and he has since stepped back from stand-up.
In recent years, painting and drawing have offered him another way to share his storytelling, allowing him to connect with fans in a new and lasting medium.
Each piece is individually hand signed by Connolly. Prices start at £1,150 for individual artworks (edition size 295). A full portfolio set of four costs £2,950 unframed or £3,950 framed.
Earlier this week, Connolly warned fans about scammers impersonating him and his wife Pamela Stephenson online. He stressed that his only official account is his Facebook page and cautioned that fraudsters may even use AI to recreate his voice. Castle Fine Art confirmed that a new video of Connolly discussing the stories behind his latest works is genuine and can be viewed here.
The Born on a Rainy Day collection will be available from 8am on Friday, August 22 at castlefineart.com
