Copy of the world’s earliest printed comic, “Glasgow Looking Glass”, up for auction today

By John Freeman on May 26, 2023

Coming up for auction today, Friday 26th May 2023, is a copy of one of the first ever “comics” – the Glasgow Looking Glass – ‘Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat’. Vol. 1, No. 2, published in 1825!

The Glasgow Looking Glass - 'Palmam Qui Meruit Ferat'. Vol. 1, No. 2, published in 1825

The publication was printed, published and sold by John Watson, and is dated 1825. Offered are three unbound leaves containing illustrated ‘comic’ style engravings by William Heath.

The Glasgow Looking Glass, later renamed the Northern Looking Glass, ran between 1825 and 1826, and is considered the first mass-produced example of a comic, featuring illustrations which narrating humorous stories.

The item is part of a larger auction of items of 19th and 29th century note from Bath-based auction house Auctioneum.

UPDATE: The comic sold for £60

• View the item here via The-Saleroom

With thanks to Richard Sheaf

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.