A monumental collection of British comics, hailed as the most significant archive ever assembled, has been sold for a total exceeding £100,000. This vast hoard of 60,000 items, amassed by collector Peter Hansen, represents decades of dedicated pursuit of rare editions and original artwork.
Decades of Passionate Collecting
Peter Hansen, a retired entrepreneur who founded a leading environmental engineering firm in Canada, spent years meticulously tracking down prized comic pieces. His decision to sell the entire collection has provided collectors with a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a slice of comic history.
Historic Auction Results
The mammoth collection has been divided into three separate auctions, chronicling the full evolution of British comics from the early 20th century onward. The first instalment alone achieved a six-figure result, surpassing expectations.
Notable highlights included the Beano Annual No. 1, which sold for £3,125—far above its £1,000 estimate. Marvelman No. 25 by L Miller & Son fetched £1,750, while a rare copy of the first Beano also commanded £3,125. The Beano, famous for the misadventures of Dennis the Menace and his dog Gnasher, remains a cultural icon.
Original Artwork in High Demand
Original comic artwork proved highly sought after at the auction. An original painted artboard by celebrated artist Frank Bellamy for The Happy Warrior: The True Life Story of Sir Winston Churchill sold for £1,690. This strip, written by Clifford Makins, originally appeared on the back page of the iconic Eagle Comic in 1957-1958 and was later republished as a standalone book.
Another Bellamy piece, an original artboard for the Thunderbirds series from TV Century 21 No. 111, achieved £1,430. Similarly, a lot comprising eight pages of original artwork by David Law for the Dandy character Corporal Clott, dating from late 1969 to early 1970, realised the same price.
Expert Commentary on the Collection
John Bullock-Anderson, an expert at auctioneers Anderson and Garland in Newcastle, emphasised the importance of Hansen's collection. He stated, 'This result shows just how important Peter Hansen's collection is. It represents decades of careful collecting and an extraordinary passion for British comics.'
Bullock-Anderson added, 'The response from bidders locally, nationally, and internationally has been tremendous, and the prices achieved reflect the historical importance of the material. The remarkable thing is that we are only at the very start of this series of sales.'
Future Auction Plans
The next instalment of this historic collection is scheduled to be presented by Excalibur Auctions on 9 May, promising further opportunities for enthusiasts to acquire rare comic memorabilia.
