Coffee table title starts at £995

Sir Billy Connolly's artworks have been collected in a new high-end coffee table book.

The limited edition title, Born On A Rainy Day, comprises 496 pages bound in faux leather – weighing more than 7kg – and is priced from £995.

The 80-year-old-comedian said: ‘I didn't know there were so many pieces. I thought I must have 12 or 20. I don't know how many, but there are over 300 in the book. 300! That's ridiculous. It's lovely.

‘Some of them are quite virginal and purist and they go for the good side of life. And others are quite dodgy and a bit bad taste, which pleases me greatly. They're of a world of their own.’

The book also includes  witty anecdotes from the 80-year-old alongside his portfolio of graphics, including original and never-seen-before titles. Each book also comes with a hand-signed limited edition print of Billy's self portrait.

‘There's no similarity whatsoever in writing a book and drawing,’Sir Billy said. ‘Drawing, it oozes from you. It takes hold of part of what's in your head and makes you do it on paper. Whereas with a written book, you have to prepare it in your head and then sit down and do it. It doesn't respond to ad lib. It's very similar to my comedy. 

Here he is introducing the book, of which 1,950 copies will be published:

Sir Billy has been releasing artwork collections with the same Born On A Rainy Day title since 2012, and has previously said: ‘Drawing has given me a new lease of life. People like them, which surprises me and amazes and delights me.’

Born On A Rainy Day is available exclusively from Castle Fine Art’s 37 galleries nationwide, or online. The limited edition is priced at £1,250 with a framed, signed copy of Billy’s self portrait, or £995 with an unframed piece. There is a discount of £100 for anyone who signs up for the mailing list and preorders the book before June 30. 

Published: 6 Jun 2023