In a delightful revelation for fans of classic British children’s television, over 500 original artworks created by Peter Firmin, the mastermind behind beloved characters such as Bagpuss and Basil Brush, are slated to be auctioned this summer. The collection, recently unearthed from his Kent home, offers a unique glimpse into the creative genius of Firmin, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89. This auction presents an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and nostalgic fans alike to own a piece of their childhood.
Rediscovering a Legacy
While clearing out the family farmhouse and its outbuildings, Firmin’s family stumbled upon a remarkable cache of his work, which had been tucked away for years. The collection encompasses a treasure trove of original watercolours, pen drawings, storyboards, rare toys, and personal artworks, primarily linocuts and engravings. Katy Firmin, one of his six daughters, described the discovery as both thrilling and emotional, stating, “We found things we simply didn’t know existed. It’s an emotional wrench, but it’s time to share the rest.”
Firmin’s contributions to children’s television extend far beyond Bagpuss. He co-created a host of cherished programmes, including The Saga of Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine, The Clangers, and Pogles’ Wood. Each of these shows has left an indelible mark on generations of viewers, making this auction particularly poignant.
The Auction Details
The auction will take place on 31 July and 1 August at The Canterbury Auction Galleries in an exclusive online format. This event marks the largest collection of Firmin’s work ever to be auctioned, and the gallery has described it as a “treasure trove.” Among the highlights are hand-painted illustrations revealing the creative process through visible changes and corrections, collectible models of beloved characters, and unpublished book illustrations found during the estate clearance.
Susanna Woodgate, a specialist valuer at The Canterbury Auction Galleries, expressed pride in facilitating the auction, noting, “His work brought such pleasure to so many children and their parents over the years. It is a privilege to now be able to offer people a chance to own original pieces of his work.” The sentiment resonates deeply, given Firmin’s significant impact on children’s literature and television.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Alongside the auction, the Firmin family is generously donating the original Bagpuss puppet and the family of The Clangers to Canterbury’s Beaney Museum, where they have been on loan. This act of preservation ensures that Firmin’s legacy will continue to be celebrated in the community that cherished his work.
Firmin’s partnership with Oliver Postgate, who narratively shaped the narratives of these iconic shows, resulted in a unique blend of storytelling and artistry that captivated audiences since 1959. Their first collaborative effort, Ivor the Engine, introduced a whimsical world centred around a singing steam locomotive, setting the stage for future masterpieces.
Why it Matters
As we bid farewell to a generation of creative visionaries, the auction of Peter Firmin’s artworks serves as a reminder of the profound influence that art and storytelling can have on our lives. It not only offers a chance for fans to reconnect with their formative years but also highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage. In an era where the digital often overshadows the tangible, these physical pieces of art bridge the past and present, allowing us to hold a piece of our childhood in our hands. As such, the auction is not merely a sale; it is a celebration of a legacy that shaped the imaginations of countless children and their families.