And because drawing is a question of attention - the attention of hand, eye and mind - he was the most careful and animated observer of his chosen subject: people. Professor Andrew Brewerton, who was Principal of Plymouth College of Art from 2010 until 2021, said: “David McKee was an artist for whom drawing was as natural and necessary as breathing. Such sad news about a truly inspirational man but what an amazing body of illustration work he leaves behind to be enjoyed again and again.” The hall was packed with graduates and staff decked out in matching funny hats and gowns, and we all cheered. His acceptance speech was a triumph - he quietly told us the tale of him getting up that morning, walking into a shop, putting on his funny hat and gown, then walking through the changing room door, exclaiming, “and here I am!”. It was a meet your heroes moment and I was starstruck, but he was warm and kind, funny and mischievous. “In 2011, when he returned to Plymouth College of Art to receive his Honorary Doctorate, I met him for the first time.

Wherever Mr Benn would go would determine whether I was going to be a spaceman, a knight or a pirate for the rest of the day.” Mel Brown, Principal Lecturer on BA (Hons) Illustration and Assistant Head of School Design + Communication at Plymouth College of Art said, “As a child of the 70s, I first encountered David McKee’s wonderful world whilst sitting as close to the TV as I was allowed, waiting to be transported to other worlds.

Mr. Benn by David McKee