Tribute plaque campaign for Rood End born Dandy artist
A Black Country poet, musician and author has launched a campaign for a blue plaque to be made in honour of revered Dandy cartoonist Charlie Grigg.
The comic was published for 75 years, before moving entirely online in 2012. Langley-born Mr Grigg, who loved drawing from the age of six, quickly became one of the nation's most celebrated comic cartoonists and was behind the design for Dandy's Korky the Kat for more than 20 years, the iconic Desperate Dan and a host of other sketches.
He died aged 97 on December 4, 2013, but his long career will be remembered for his iconic drawings. He took over drawing the cover for The Dandy on January 20, 1962, working there for the next 22 years, with 21 of those illustrating all the Dandy Annual Covers.
Now Dr Brian Dakin is looking for the Rood End-born artist to be finally given the 'recognition he deserves'.
Dr Dakin has been in touch with the Head Mistress at Mr Grigg's old school, Rood End Primary School, at possible options for the plaque to be located.
He said: "Charlie Grigg was such an important man, and his contribution to the youth culture of a generation was incredible.
"He created all of these iconic cartoons, but did it all without leaving Langley. His work is known all over the world, and so he should be recognised as the man behind the brilliant sketches of Dandy.
"The committee at Black Country Radio is keen to do a documentary on Charlie's life and we're in the process of planning events for the winter to raise money for the plaque, which is going to cost around £600."
