A £100,000+ Bonanza for British Comic History: Peter Hansen’s Epic Collection Finds New Owners
The world of British comics is buzzing after the sale of what’s being hailed as the most significant archive of its kind ever amassed. Collector Peter Hansen’s extraordinary hoard of 60,000 items has fetched over £100,000, offering a once-in-a-generation opportunity for enthusiasts to own a piece of comic history.
Hansen, a retired entrepreneur who built a successful environmental engineering firm in Canada, dedicated decades to meticulously tracking down rare comic editions and original artwork. His passion project has now culminated in a monumental sale, with the vast collection being dispersed across three separate auctions. These sales promise to chart the complete evolution of British comics, from their early 20th-century origins right up to the present day.
The initial auction alone achieved a stellar six-figure sum, setting a high bar for the subsequent sales. Among the standout lots, a particularly rare Beano Annual No. 1 commanded an impressive £3,125, significantly surpassing its pre-auction estimate of £1,000. This iconic issue represents a coveted piece of childhood nostalgia for many.
Other notable successes from the first auction included:
- Marvelman No. 25 by L Miller & Son: This vintage comic fetched a remarkable £1,750, highlighting the enduring appeal of classic superhero titles.
Original comic artwork also proved to be a hot commodity, with collectors vying for unique pieces that offer a direct connection to the creative process.
- Original Painted Artboard by Frank Bellamy: A stunning piece by the celebrated artist Frank Bellamy, created for The Happy Warrior: The True Life Story of Sir Winston Churchill, sold for £1,690. This strip, penned by Clifford Makins, originally graced the back page of the iconic Eagle Comic between 1957 and 1958. It was later republished as a standalone book in 1958 and has seen several reprints since, cementing its place in British popular culture.
Thunderbirds Original Artboard by Frank Bellamy: Another captivating work by Bellamy, an original artboard for the Thunderbirds series featured in TV Century 21 No. 111, also attracted significant interest, achieving £1,430.
Dandy Original Artwork by David Law: A collection of eight pages of original artwork by David Law, featuring the beloved Dandy character Corporal Clott, also realised the same price of £1,430. These pieces date from late 1969 to early 1970, offering a glimpse into the creation of a beloved comic strip.
John Bullock-Anderson, an expert from auctioneers Anderson and Garland in Newcastle, commented on the success of the sale. “This result truly underscores the immense importance of Peter Hansen’s collection,” he stated. “It is the culmination of decades of dedicated collecting and an extraordinary passion for British comics. The response from bidders, both locally, nationally, and internationally, has been absolutely tremendous. The prices achieved reflect the significant historical value of this material.”
Bullock-Anderson added, “What’s truly remarkable is that we are only at the very beginning of this series of sales. There’s still a wealth of comic history yet to be unveiled.”
The next instalment of Peter Hansen’s extraordinary collection is scheduled to be presented by Excalibur Auctions on 9 May, promising further opportunities for collectors to acquire rare and significant pieces of British comic heritage. The ongoing sales are a testament to the enduring legacy and cultural impact of British comics.
