The world’s biggest private collection of British comics – including a rare first Beano – is set to go under the hammer.
Described as the most significant private archive of British comics ever assembled, the jaw-dropping hoard belongs to collector Peter Hansen and boasts more than 60,000 items.
The retired entrepreneur, who built a leading environmental engineering firm in Canada, spent decades tracking down rare editions and original artwork.
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Now preparing to return to Canada, he has decided to sell the lot – giving collectors a once-in-a-generation chance to snap up comic history.
The mammoth collection will be split across three separate auctions and charts the full history of British comics from the early 20th century onwards.
It includes original works by legendary illustrators such as Frank Bellamy, Alfred Bestall, Don Lawrence, Graham Coton, Renzo Biffignandi and Jordi Penalva.
From boys’ adventure tales to iconic humour strips and groundbreaking illustrated stories, the archive captures the imagination of generations, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Among the standout lots are original Oor Wullie artwork by Dudley D Watkins, estimated at £900, and a very rare copy of The Beano Annual Number 1, tipped to fetch £1,800.
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Expert John Bullock-Anderson said: “It is an immense privilege to present the first instalment of Peter Hansen’s remarkable collection.
“Peter is rightly regarded as one of the foremost authorities in the field, and the breadth and quality of material he has assembled over a lifetime is simply extraordinary.
“Every effort will be made to ensure each sale has its own distinct identity, presenting fresh material and genres designed to surprise and delight.”
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Peter grew up in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the 1950s and began collecting comics as a boy, spending his pocket money on favourites like The Beezer and The Topper.
What started as a childhood hobby quickly became a lifelong obsession.
Even after emigrating to Canada and forging a successful career as an engineer and environmental business owner, he continued to grow his collection.
His vast archive now includes more than 40,000 comics, 20,000 pieces of original artwork, nearly 900 bound publisher volumes and a treasure trove of memorabilia spanning the golden age of British comics and beyond.
It also features rare first issues, publisher records and pay books revealing who created what – making it a goldmine for historians and comic fans alike.
Peter believes comics form an important part of social history, reflecting changing attitudes to class, race, politics and everyday life.
The first auction of 500 comics will take place at Anderson and Garland in Newcastle on 11 and 12 March.
Excalibur Auctions in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, will host the second sale on 9 May.
A third instalment later this year, again with Anderson and Garland, will feature further landmark titles including Victor, Valiant, Lion and Hurricane, alongside even more original artwork.
