In a poignant revelation, over 500 pieces of artwork by the late Peter Firmin, the visionary behind beloved children’s television characters such as Bagpuss and Basil Brush, are set to be auctioned. These artefacts, unearthed from his family home in Kent, offer a unique portal into the imagination that shaped generations of young viewers. The auction will take place on 31 July and 1 August at The Canterbury Auction Galleries, marking a significant event for collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts alike.
A Hidden Collection
The extensive collection of Firmin’s work was discovered while his family home was being prepared for sale, revealing a treasure trove of creativity that had long been ensconced in cupboards and drawers. Firmin, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89, was a prolific artist and puppet maker whose contributions to children’s television are immeasurable. His collaborations with Oliver Postgate, particularly through their company Smallfilms, produced timeless classics such as The Saga of Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine, and The Clangers.
Katy Firmin, one of his six daughters, expressed the bittersweet nature of this discovery, stating, “It’s an emotional wrench. But there are just so many things; he never threw anything away. It’s time to share the rest.” Her sentiment underscores the deep connection families have with Firmin’s creations, which evoke cherished memories of childhood.
Treasures on Offer
The auction promises to showcase an eclectic range of Firmin’s original artworks, including watercolours, pen drawings, and hand-painted illustrations. Notably, these pieces reveal the creative process, featuring corrections and alterations that Firmin made during his artistic journey. Alongside the illustrations, rare collectibles from his shows, including models of characters from The Clangers and Bagpuss, will also be up for grabs, providing fans a chance to own a tangible piece of their favourite childhood stories.
Susanna Woodgate, a specialist valuer at The Canterbury Auction Galleries, described the collection as a “treasure trove” and emphasised the emotional impact of Firmin’s work: “His work brought such pleasure to so many children and their parents over the years. It is a privilege to now offer people a chance to own original pieces of his work.”
A Legacy to Remember
In addition to the auction, the Firmin family is donating the original Bagpuss puppet and the family of The Clangers to Canterbury’s Beaney museum, ensuring that these iconic characters remain a part of the cultural landscape. This act of generosity solidifies Firmin’s lasting legacy and allows future generations to engage with the magic he created.
Firmin’s contributions to television were recognised with a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014, a testament to the enduring impact of his work. His first creation, Ivor the Engine, debuted in 1959, captivating audiences with its charming narrative of a singing Welsh steam locomotive. The original hand-drawn comic strip of Ivor is among the items included in the auction, further bridging the past with the present.
Why it Matters
The auction of Peter Firmin’s artworks is not merely an event for collectors; it represents a collective nostalgia for a simpler time, where creativity and heartfelt storytelling reigned supreme in children’s programming. As families reflect on the joy that characters like Bagpuss have brought into their lives, owning a piece of this legacy becomes a way to reconnect with cherished memories. In a world increasingly dominated by fleeting digital content, the tangible nature of these artworks serves as a vital reminder of the enduring power of imagination and the arts in shaping our childhoods.
