Auction houses Anderson & Garland and Excalibur Auctions have joined forces in something of a “comics first” for the UK, to run a series of auctions to sell an incredible archive of British comic art, American and British comics and other ephemera, all owned by longtime collector Peter Hansen.
It’s taken me a couple days to pore through the 524-lot catalogue, which includes art, British and US comics, rare promotional signage, fanzines and other amazing items, but suffice to say, underground comics excepted, it is an incredible snapshot of the British comics industry; and although it’s sad the collection is now being broken up, thank goodness Peter saved so much from, literally on occasions, going into skips.
It’s impossible to feature all the items in this auction, so I’m simply going to present a few of them that will surely most attract interest – but you should really check out the catalogue and register to bid if anything catches your eye.
I’m guessing, with reasonable confidence, that items such as the “Thunderbirds” art by Frank Bellamy, created for TV Century 21, will be among the items attracting the fiercest bidding, despite its condition; but the bound sets of classic comics, Roy of the Rovers art and much, much more, are also very likely to get plenty of interest.
Full details of the auction, taking place over 11th – 12th March 2026, below.
A limited edition Conan the Barbarian two-page pin-up “The Enchantment” by Barry Windsor Smith, 27.5 x 42cms, unframed. 
An original artboard by artist Frank Bellamy for the Thunderbirds series 9, published in TV Century 21 Comic No. 111, pages 10 and 11 double spread, coloured inks on artboard signed by the artist, 50 x 70cms unframed. 
Boys’ World Weekly Volume 1 No. 24 (6th July 1963) through to No. 49 (Christmas issue); and Volume 2 No. 1 (4th January 1964) through to No. 40, 3rd October 1964, Fleetway publisher’s file copies in cloth bindings; together with early unbound copies of Boys’ World comprising No’s. 2-5, 8-17, 20-23. 
A complete two-page story from the series Spot the Clue with Zip Nolan, published in a Christmas issue of The Lion, attributed to artist Roberto Diso, pen and ink on heavy paper stock, each 52.5 x 41.5cms unframed. Zip Nolan first appeared in Lion Comic in 1963 and was drawn by a rotating roster of several artists – most notably Reg Bunn but also Fred Holmes, Alex Henderson and John Woods; this example is perhaps by Roberto Diso who produced a large number of Spot the Clue just before and after Lion merged with Thunder. 
Two original artboards by Don Lawrence for Karl the Viking (renamed Eric in later comics), originally published in the Lion Comic 15th June 1963, later republished in Smash! 13th February 1971, ink on boards, 54 x 40cms unframed. 
An original painted artboard by artist Frank Bellamy for the story-strip The Happy Warrior: The True Life Story of Sir Winston Churchill for episode 31, published in the Eagle Comic for Boys, coloured inks on lineboard, 53 x 41cms overall, unframed. The Happy Warrior was written by Clifford Makins and appeared on the back page of Eagle Comic during 1957 and 1958, its success was such that it was quickly republished in 1958 by Hulton Press as a stand alone book. Other reprints came in 1981, 2008 and 2014. 
Solo Weekly Comic No. 1, February 18th 1967; Solo No. 2, February 25th 1967, with free “scarecrow pistol banger”; Wildcat Fortnightly Comic No. 1, 22nd October 1988, with free alien monster poster; and Jag No. 1, 4th May 1968, with free Bobby More Book of the F. A. Cup giveaway. 
Four pages of original painted artwork from the story strip Guinea Pig by artist Jerry Haylock published in Eagle Comics, gouache on two boards, 44 x 66.5cms overall, unframed. (2) 
Mickey Mouse Chums membership card, enamel lapel badge and correspondence, including original stamped envelope 
Fanzines, comics and related literature, comprising: Yancy Street Journal Vol. 1 No. 1; Comic Book Profiles No. 3 – Neal Adams; Fantasy Advertiser 20th Anniversary Issue, 1986; Fantasy Unlimited No. 21 – Steve Ditko Special, 1974; British Marvel Spider-Man Winter Special 1979; and other fanzines and comics-related publications. 
Original painted artwork for the girls digest comic School Girls Picture Library No’s. 259 and 283, gouache on artboard, unframed, image size 34.5 x 28cms – overall size of boards 44 x 33.5cms and 39 x 33.5cms. (2) 
First issue comics for girls: Romeo No. 1, August 31st, 1957; Debbie No.1 17th February 1973; and Jinty No. 1, 11th May1974, with smiley wrist bracelet 
June Comic for Girls by Fleetway No.1, 18th March 1961, and another early issue 2nd September 1961; together with Emma No. 1, complete with initial brooch give-away 
Original front cover artwork for Fleetway Publication’s girl’s comic Princess Tina by artist Purita Campos, published February 13th, 1971, gouache on boards, 45.5 x 35cms, unframed. (a pair) 
Original front cover artwork for Fleetway Publication’s girl’s comic Princess Tina by artist Purita Campos, published 17th of June 1970, and 9th of September 1972, gouache on boards, 45.5 x 35cms, unframed. (a pair) 
Original comics artwork featuring the Beano characters Gnasher and Gnipper, drawn by David Sutherland, inscribed in pencil “Beano 7/7 Pg.3 draw onto usual Gnasher and Gnipper background/title 53.4%”; Indian ink over pencil, with speech-balloons applied over blue crayon dialogue-indications, on thin card, 45 x 40.5cms; in glazed light oak frame 59.5 x 52.5cms external 
Auctioneer John Anderson with a copy of Beano Annual No.1 – sure to attract plenty of bids 
The Magic Comic No. 5, 19th August 1939 
Knock-Out Fun Book 1945, 1950, 1953, 1954 and 1955 by The Amalgamated Press Ltd 
Original artwork by Alfred Bestall for the 1951 Daily Express Ruper Annual, comprising monochrome and coloured proofs of page 5 (title page) and page 11 “Rupert Asks Old Jarge” for the opening story “Rupert and Doctor Lion”; offered together with a manuscript two-page letter to Mrs A. Clark, London, on Daily Express headed paper, 19th of April 1972, and another two-page manuscript letter discussing Alfred’s reaction to the 60th anniversary annual (including his reservations about John Harold’s front cover), dated 3rd of September 1980; and a copy of the 1951 annual. 
Two original comics artworks for Roy of the Rovers, signed by the artist, coloured inks on paper, 39.5 x 57cms, unframed 
Original comics artwork for Roy of the Rovers featuring real life cricketer Geof Boycott, signed in a panel lower right by him and artist Mike White, coloured inks on paper with lettered overlay, 40 x 58.5cms, unframed. 
1950’s and early 1960’s Marvelman and Young Marvelman annuals by L. Miller and Son Ltd – three hardback annuals and three earlier softcover editions. (6) 
“The Dalek Outer Space Book”, Souvenir Press Ltd 1966; together with a collection of Doctor Who jigsaws. (6) 
A JR 21 Toys Thunderbirds battery operated Thunderbird 3, in original box 
An unopened Buck Rogers Space Ranger Kit, promotional toy given with Sylvania Television sets, containing Easy-assemble push-out printed card toys and models, including space ranger hat, mask, disintegrator gun, rocket launch, spaceship, and others; and original printed paper envelope circa 1952. 
Gerry Anderson’s Joe 90 No’s. 1 (18th January 1969) and 2 (January 25h 1969), with rare ‘World Intelligence Network Memory Test’ coupon; Joe 90 dossier booklet; and TV 21No. 218, March 22nd 1969, with ‘Captain Scarlet Stratostreak Glider’ giveaway. 
Two original artboards by artist Mike Noble for the comics series The Tomorrow People, published in Look-In No. 31 from 1977, pages 20 and 21, ink and grey wash on artboard, signed by the artist, 49 x 39cms and 46 x 36cms unframed. The Tomorrow People “The Next Stage of Human Evolution” was based upon a British television series first screened in 1973, writer/creator Roger Price created eight series for broadcast TV. Look-in the Weekly Magazine and TV Guide for Young People ran a contemporaneous comic strip from July 1973 until April 1978. 
Two original storyboards for the series Kung Fu from Look-in Comic, issue no. 13, 1974, pages 24 and 25, by artist Martin Asbury, coloured inks on artboard, 54.5 x 40cms, unframed 
Battle Picture Weekly No. 1, 8th March 1875, with facsimile free gift; Warlord No. 1, September 20th, 1974; Warlord Peter Flint special (1976); and two Victor summer specials. (5) 
Original painted artwork for the front cover of Battle Picture Library Holiday Special 1984, artist unknown, gouache on board, image size 48 x 39cms, unframed. 
Original painted artwork for the front cover of Battle Picture Library No. 12 “Blood on the Sand”, by Alessandro Biffignandi, gouache on board, image size 42 x 32cms, unframed, with Studio D’Ami stamp to reverse, original published May 1961, reissued as War Picture Library No’s. 444 and 1582. 
Original painted artwork for the front cover of Battle Picture Library No. 24 “Shoot First”, by Alessandro Biffignandi, gouache on board, image size 48 x 33cms, unframed, with Studio D’Ami stamp to reverse, original published August 1961, republished as War Picture Library No. 1527. 
Original painted artwork for the front cover of Battle Picture Library No. 150 “Gauntlet of Fire”, by Nino Caroselli, gouache on board, image size 44 x 32cms, unframed, Studio D’Ami stamp to reverse, original title “Surrender Tank” 
Original painted artwork for the front cover of Battle Picture Library No. 171 “Fire Order”, artist unknown, gouache on board, image size 42 x 30cms, unframed, original published September 1964, republished as War Picture Library No. 652 and Battle Picture Library No. 2081 
Candy No. 1, Wednesday January 21st, 1967; together with issues no’s. 10, 29, 38, and copy of issue no. 1 with slightly damaged interior and cut pages, by Century 21 Publications; and The Candy and Andy Storybook, in hardback 1968; and The Candy and Andy Annual 1968. 
Two rough drafts for the front cover of the Bimbo Book 1969/70, by artist Bill Ritchie, gouache on boards, 40 x 28cms, and 31 x 27cms; presented together in glazed, light-oak frame 55.5 x 75cms external 
Original artwork for Christmas editions of Jack and Jill 1975 and 1978, gouache on board, by artist Jesus Blasco, two multi-panel pages and five individual large panels, unframed. (7) 
American comics sections as published in The Montreal Standard, January to December 1947, featuring comic strips Li’l Abner, Blondie, Joe Palooka, Little Orphan Annie, Steve Canyon, Superman, Bringing Up Father, and other, in cloth bindings 
American newspaper comic strips from 1945, taken from Canadian and US newspapers: The Winnipeg Tribune; The Standard, Montreal; The Star Weekly, Toronto; New York Sunday News; and others, featuring Superman, Dick Tracy, Tarzan, The Katzenjammer Kidz, Popeye, The Lone Ranger, Flash Gordon, Terry and the Pirates, and many others, in cloth bindings. 
A three-panel comic strip featuring Superman, drawn and signed by George Tuska, inked by Vince Colletta, story by Martin Pasko, pen and ink over pencil, image size 11.5 x 38cms, framed; together with a limited-edition trading card, depicting and personally signed by George Tuska. (2)
Peter Hansen, Boy’s Own Collector
Peter Hansen, a highly successful entrepreneur who built a leading environmental engineering company in Canada, devoted decades to acquiring what is widely regarded within the collecting world as the largest and finest collection of British comics and original comic artwork in private hands. Recognised as an authority in the field, his name has long been synonymous with scholarship, discernment and an uncompromising eye for quality.
Now, having reached retirement and preparing to return to Canada, he has taken the decision to release his extraordinary holdings, allowing collectors the opportunity to acquire works from a collection of unparalleled scope and importance.
So vast is the collection, that it has been necessary to appoint the two largest comics auctioneers in the United Kingdom – Anderson & Garland and Excalibur Auctions – to collaborate on a series of sales throughout 2026.
These sales follow a previous sale of a small part of the collection in 2023; and come despite a concerted effort to preserve the collection that, sadly, proved unsuccessful, which Peter still had hopes would happen when we interviewed him in 2019.
John Anderson at Westerhope-based Anderson & Garland, who has been preparing for this “auction event” for five years after Peter first began to consider his collection’s sale, told downthetubes the sheer amount of artworks, comics and other items was simply too much for one auction house to handle, prompting this unique partnership – something of a news item in itself. A third auction is expected in June, and a fourth later in the year.
The Peter Hansen Collection of Comics – Premiere Sale, taking place 11th – 12th March 2026, features items spanning incredible art by a range of British and international comic artists, including Frank Bellamy, Dudley D. Watkins, Alfred Bestall, Don Lawrence, Graham Coton, Renzo Biffignandi and Jordi Penalva.
This extraordinary sale charts the complete history of British comics from the early 20th century onwards, offering an unrivalled insight into the evolution of the genre.
It’s no surprise this auction, comprising over 500 lots, is being described as “the largest collection of British comics in the Universe” – anyone who has had the privilege of seeing Peter’s in situ will no doubt, like me, compare his barn of comic items with the final warehouse scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, such is its scale.
Excalibur Auctions will host the second auction in May and later in the year, Anderson & Garland will follow this with a third instalment of the collection, featuring further landmark material including Victor, Valiant, Lion, Hurricane and a wealth of additional original artwork.
John Bullock-Anderson, Head of Comics at Anderson & Garland, commented: “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. We are particularly pleased to be working alongside Excalibur Auctions to ensure that this landmark collection is brought to market in a fitting and carefully curated manner.”
He added: “Every effort will be made to ensure each sale has its own distinct identity, presenting fresh material and genres designed to surprise and delight.”
• The Peter Hansen Collection of Comics – Premiere Sale, will take place 11th – 12th March 2026 | Lot: 1 to 310 – 11th Mar, 2026 from 10.00am; Lot: 311 to 542 – 12th Mar, 2026, from 10.00am | View the Catalogue Here | You must be registered to bid | You can also bid via The-Saleroom
Comprising over 500 exceptional lots, this prestigious auction will be followed by Part II, coming later in 2026
• Following on from this, Excalibur Auctions, at Kings Langley, will host the second sale on Saturday 9th May 2026
Head downthetubes for…
Regular downthetubes readers will recall we interviewed Peter back in 2019, his collection amassed since he was a child in his home town of Byker in the North East.
He has generously loaned artworks to many exhibitions down the years, including to The Lightbox in Wokingham for their British comics exhibition co-curated by Paul Gravett with Hamish McGillivray, and exhibitions at Seven Stories.
Some of his collection was sold to the Cartoon Museum in an effort to preserve part of it for the nation.
• A Comics Collection for the Nation: An Interview with Peter Hansen
Peter Hansen grew up in Byker, Newcastle, in the 1950s and started collecting comics as a young lad, spending his pocket money on titles like The Beezer and The Topper. What began as a childhood hobby turned into a lifelong passion. Over the years, even after moving to Canada and building a successful career as an engineer and later an environmental business owner, he kept collecting. His archive now holds over 40,000 comics, 20,000 pieces of original artwork, nearly 900 bound publisher volumes and loads of memorabilia, covering the golden age of British comics and beyond. It includes rare first issues, publisher records and pay books showing who created what, making it a proper treasure trove for anyone studying comics or British popular culture.
Hansen believes comics are an important part of social history, reflecting attitudes to class, race, politics and everyday life. Shocked by the break-up of Denis Gifford’s archive after his death, he became determined to build and protect a national collection that would be saved for the public. He loaned material to exhibitions and worked with museums and universities to try, sadly unsuccessfully, to secure a permanent home for his collection, ideally in the North of England, so it could be preserved intact and enjoyed by future generations.
• Comics Collectable Spotlight: Author Denis Gifford – The Auction Catalogues
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as 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.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Auctions, British Comics, British Comics - Books, British Comics - Collections, Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, US Comics
Peter was trying so hard for it to be kept together…so sorry to hear that…glad I got to stay for a few nights and enjoy his collection he was very kind. Loved seeing it.
Peter Gray