THERE is the chance to see a whole new side to the Big Yin with the opening today of an exhibition of his artwork.

Art of Billy Connolly at the People’s Palace runs until February, showcasing work he has produced in the past three years.

He says the process is meditative with the inspiration coming from being alone on a page, in the style of the surrealist automatism movement, whereby the artist allows the hand to move randomly across the paper without intent to create anything specifically.

“I don’t want them to be judged. I didn’t want to put them in a position where people would like or dislike them. They’re little pals of mine. I’ll always draw, I’ll always do it,” he says.

Alongside the drawings, objects from Glasgow Museums’ collection relating to Billy’s early career as a comedian and musician will be on display, including the famous Big Banana Boots, one of the star objects at the People’s Palace.

The boots were designed and made for Billy in 1975 by the Glasgow pop artist Edmund Smith and made their first appearance on stage 40 years ago at the Music Hall in Aberdeen.

They appeared in and lent their name to the film Big Banana Feet, directed by Murray Grigor and David Peat, which documented Billy’s 1975 tour of Ireland.

“Billy Connolly needs no introduction to the people of Glasgow. His boundless talent as a comedian, actor and presenter makes him one of Scotland’s most famous sons,” said Councillor Sadie Docherty, Lord Provost of Glasgow.

“Five years ago, Mr Connolly was made a Freeman of the City of Glasgow, so it is fitting that his extraordinary works of art are to be displayed in Glasgow for the city’s people and visitors to enjoy.”

More than 40 original artworks by Billy will be on show at the exhibition courtesy of art publisher Washington Green. Other objects on show include a purple satin costume with gold lurex worn by Billy on stage, a guitar made out of White Horse Whisky box and memorabilia including programmes for The Billy Connolly Show 74 at the Pavilion and the 1976 play An Me Wi’ A Bad Leg Tae for Borderline Theatre.

There will be examples of the artist’s early recordings including Welly Boot Song, released in 1974 and in the charts the following year, and an album cover for Billy Connolly Live! recorded at City Halls, Glasgow, on August 6, 1972.

A selection of limited edition prints of Billy’s drawings will be available to buy at the People’s Palace and Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

“The exhibition reveals an aspect of Billy’s talent visitors may not be aware of,” said Councillor Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life.