Billy Connolly's Happy New Haircut sketch going under the hammer in Wolverhampton
'Happy New Haircut' was created by Billy Connolly back in 2007 - but even a comic genius could not have foreseen its relevance to today's society.
However, it is a greeting that may take off in coming weeks as many people head back to salons and barbers with the easing of lockdown restrictions.
And a signed limited edition print, from a collection of six limited edition pieces, was due to go under the hammer on April 14.
The Big Yin's debut series of six limited edition pieces, entitled Born on a Rainy Day, was inspired by a visit to an art shop in Montreal on a dull day, when Billy picked up some felt tip pens and a pad and started sketching islands and these soon morphed into a set of quirky, contemporary characterisations.
The six works, entitled Walkies, Blue Angel, Happy New Haircut, Pink Tie & Hanky, Sandy & Andy McKay and The Man in the Long Grass were launched at a private viewing in London's Halcyon Gallery nine years ago..
The print is number 72 of only 95 which were released in March 2012, and was going under the hammer at Cuttlestones’ auction as Lot 46 in a section including another Billy Connelly piece, a signed limited edition framed print titled Fly Away Peter.
Rosie Blackburn of Cuttlestones’ Wolverhampton sale rooms said: "Billy Connoly's artworks have proven pretty popular.
"They hark to his zany imagination and comedic style and to have two early, signed limited editions in the sale is a real coup.
"The Happy New Haircut piece in particular seems very topical at the moment.
"But the fact that Billy has recently returned to the public eye and is set to share his battle with his deteriorating health in his first autobiography later this year, makes this particularly poignant.
"The prints are delightful and, while they have sold out at the £3,500 mark in galleries, it will be interesting to see how the pandemic has affected their value.
"The vendor is looking for a minimum of £1,500 each.
"We are pretty confident that they could achieve considerably more, especially as our auctions can reach a global network of Billy Connelly fans."
Online bidders must register at www.thesaleroom.com.
