In an exciting revelation for fans of British children’s television, over 500 original artworks by the late Peter Firmin—celebrated creator of beloved characters like Bagpuss and Basil Brush—are set to be auctioned later this month. Firmin, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89, co-created numerous iconic TV programmes that have left an indelible mark on generations of viewers. The collection, discovered in his family home in Kent, promises to be a nostalgic journey for many, encapsulating the imagination and creativity that defined Firmin’s work.
A Hidden Legacy Uncovered
While clearing out his family farmhouse and outbuildings, Firmin’s daughters stumbled upon a myriad of artworks that had long been tucked away, revealing a veritable treasure trove of creativity. This unexpected discovery includes original watercolours and pen drawings of his famous characters, along with storyboards from various projects, rare collectible toys, and personal artworks comprising linocuts and engravings.
Katy Firmin, one of his six daughters, expressed the bittersweet nature of this find: “My family have lived here in Blean since 1959 and when opening various cupboards have found things we simply didn’t know existed. It’s an emotional wrench. 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.”
The Auction Details
The much-anticipated auction will take place on 31 July and 1 August at The Canterbury Auction Galleries, marking what is touted as the largest collection of Firmin’s work ever to be auctioned. The gallery has referred to the collection as a “treasure trove,” with highlights including hand-painted illustrations that showcase Firmin’s creative process, revealing changes and corrections made along the way.
Additionally, the auction will feature collectible models of characters from shows such as The Clangers and Bagpuss, alongside original illustrations from storyboards and unpublished book attempts that were discovered during the clearing process. Susanna Woodgate, a specialist valuer at Canterbury Auction Galleries, noted the nostalgic journey involved in cataloguing these items, stating, “The Canterbury Auction Galleries is proud to be auctioning the studio collection of Peter Firmin. His work brought such pleasure to so many children and their parents over the years.”
A Gift to the Community
In a generous gesture, the Firmin family will also be donating the original Bagpuss and the family of The Clangers to Canterbury’s Beaney museum, where these iconic puppets have been on loan. This move not only preserves Firmin’s legacy but also enriches the cultural landscape of the community he held dear.
Peter Firmin, alongside Oliver Postgate, co-founded Smallfilms, creating a unique partnership that produced cherished children’s programming. Their first collaboration, Ivor The Engine, debuted in 1959 and quickly became a classic, embodying the creative spirit that would define their subsequent works.
Why it Matters
This auction represents more than just a chance for collectors to own pieces of art; it is a heartfelt celebration of a creative force who shaped the childhoods of countless individuals. Firmin’s characters continue to resonate across generations, serving as a reminder of the power of storytelling in children’s media. By bringing these works to the public eye, the auction not only honours Firmin’s legacy but also invites a new generation to reconnect with the magic of his creations. As these artworks find new homes, they will undoubtedly carry with them the cherished memories of childhood, reinforcing the enduring impact of imagination in our lives.
