Dave McKean dons his professorial robes to join the staff at the new Hogwarts! Okay, only kidding – in fact Dave (one of my absolute favourite artists in any medium) is seen here in academic gown (sadly he’s already removed the rather nifty hat that goes with it) after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, having a Doctorate of Design conferred upon him in recognition of  “his award winning illustration and design work.” Well done, Dave, and kudos also the the U of Wolverhampton for recognising and honouring one of Blighty’s great artists. More on the university’s Visual Communication faculty’s blog. (thanks to our own Kenny for forwarding the pic)

Ladies, gentlemen and other refined peoples of letters, we present, in all his finery, Doctor Bryan Talbot. As Pádraig told us a couple of weeks ago Bryan was to be given an honorary doctorate for “outstanding contribution to the Arts as writer and graphic artist” by Sunderland University (see here), the first time a comics artist is thought to have been so honoured by a UK seat of higher learning. Well it was just a couple of days ago and while we’re hoping to see some more pics later on Pádraig did get an email from Bryan with this image of a very academic looking Dr Talbot, pic taken (and (c) from the Sunderland Echo.