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 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

• See also on downthetubes : Through the Looking Glass: Inside the pages of the Oldest Comic in the World

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. Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Star Trek Explorer (previously known as Star Trek 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.

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Tags: Auction News, downthetubes News, Glasgow Looking Glass, John Watson