In a remarkable discovery that has excited fans of classic children’s television, over 500 artworks by the late Peter Firmin, the creative mind behind beloved characters like Bagpuss and Basil Brush, will be auctioned off at the end of July. Unearthed from his Kent home while being prepared for sale, this extensive collection promises to offer a nostalgic glimpse into the creative genius that shaped the imaginations of generations.
A Glimpse into Firmin’s Creative World
Peter Firmin, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89, is celebrated for co-creating numerous iconic children’s programmes such as *The Saga Of Noggin The Nog*, *Ivor The Engine*, *The Clangers*, and *Pogles’ Wood*. His artistry and storytelling have left an indelible mark on British culture, and his works are now poised to find new homes through a live, online auction on 31 July and 1 August at The Canterbury Auction Galleries.
During the clearance of his family farmhouse, an astonishing array of original watercolours, pen drawings, storyboards, and personal art was discovered. Among the treasures are collectible toys and games, along with unique linocuts and engravings, each piece a testimony to Firmin’s enduring creativity.
Family Reflections on Discovery
Katy Firmin, one of Peter’s six daughters, expressed both joy and sorrow at the findings. “My family have lived here in Blean since 1959, and when opening various cupboards, we found things we simply didn’t know existed,” she shared. The emotional significance of these artworks cannot be overstated. “It’s an emotional wrench,” she added. “But there are just so many things; he never threw anything away. The six of us have all kept things that we particularly love, but it’s time to share the rest. People have such fond memories of characters like Bagpuss, and now they have the chance to own a little bit of their childhood.”
A Treasure Trove of Nostalgia
The Canterbury Auction Galleries, which will host the auction, has hailed the collection as a “treasure trove,” noting that it is the largest compilation of Firmin’s work ever to be auctioned. Among the highlights are hand-painted illustrations showcasing Firmin’s creative process, complete with visible changes and corrections made during his artistic journey. Collectible models from shows such as *The Clangers* and *Bagpuss* will also be included, along with original illustrations and unpublished storyboards that were found during the home clearance.
Susanna Woodgate, a specialist valuer at The Canterbury Auction Galleries, remarked, “It is a privilege to now be able to offer people a chance to own original pieces of his work. Cataloguing the items has been a real nostalgia trip.”
The Legacy Continues
In addition to the auction, the Firmin family has graciously decided to donate the original Bagpuss puppet and the family from *The Clangers* to Canterbury’s Beaney museum, where they have been on loan. This gesture not only cements Firmin’s legacy but also provides a lasting tribute to the joy he brought to countless children and their families.
Firmin’s partnership with the late Oliver Postgate, who wrote most of the stories and narrated the TV shows, birthed a unique blend of art and storytelling that continues to resonate today. Their first collaboration, *Ivor The Engine*, debuted in 1959 and is among the items set to be auctioned, including the first hand-drawn comic strip of the lovable locomotive.
The auction will run as part of a four-day event, with the Firmin Studio sale available for viewing by appointment only. For those interested, details can be found at www.thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com.
Why it Matters
The upcoming auction of Peter Firmin’s works is more than just a sale; it is a cultural event that reconnects us with our childhoods. As we bid farewell to these cherished pieces of art, we are reminded of the power of creativity in shaping our lives and the importance of preserving and celebrating our artistic heritage. Each stroke of Firmin’s brush and every character he created serves as a bridge to our past, inviting us to revisit the joy and wonder of childhood imagination. This sale not only honours Firmin’s legacy but also highlights the enduring impact of children’s television on British culture.
