A sketch of Dan Dare by Frank Hampson

Southport’s The Atkinson is putting the finishing touches to its upcoming exhibition to mark the centenary of Dan Dare creator Frank Hampson‘s birth, which launches on 15th September 2018, and we have a some pictures of items that will be included.

Frank Hampson with young Eagle fans. Are you in this picture? Why not let us know , below?

Frank Hampson’s Spaceship Computer

“Frank Hampson – The Man Who Drew Dan Dare” opens on 15th September 2018 and continues through the year and into 2019, ending on 16th March. Southport, Merseyside, is of course – the town where Eagle comic was first created by Frank Hampson and Marcus Morris.

The gallery hosts a permanent display dedicated to Hampson’s work and most famous creation, which is well worth a visit. Everything relates to the original 1950s comic, and creator Frank Hampson and the original team that worked on the “Dan Dare” strip, since that was what was produced in Southport, in the Old Bakehouse studio in Churchtown. It’s doubtful that any devoted fans will discover anything new from the display, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t items to cherish.

• The Atkinson is at Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB. The Museum and galleries are open Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm, Sunday CLOSED | Check all opening times here | Web: www.theatkinson.co.uk | Find The Atkinson on Facebook: TheAtkinson | Follow The Atkinson on Twitter @AtkinsonThe | Watch The Atkinson video channel on Youtube: AtkinsonThe

• Read Dan Whitehead’s 2016 review of the permanent Frank Hampson exhibition at The Atkinson

• There’s more about the original creation of the Dan Dare bust by John Fowler here on DanDare.org and the fiftieth anniversary art here on the official Frank Hampson web site, which also has a feature on the birth of Dan Dare and Eagle here

• The Old Bakehouse in Botanic Road, Churchtown, Southport – the original studio used by Frank Hampson and his team to produce the 1950’s Dan Dare strips – is not open to the public but has been recently restored

With thanks to David Britton of the Eagle Society

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.

Categories: downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions

Tags: Dan Dare, downthetubes News, Eagle, Frank Hampson, The Atkinson, “Frank Hampson – The Man Who Drew Dan Dare”