Renowned comic fan's collection to be auctioned off

PERHAPS the most significant private collection of British comics ever assembled is set to be auctioned as a renowned collector offers his lifetime’s passion to a new generation.

- By NICOLE GOODWIN

John Bullock-Anderson artwork with Oor Wullie artwork and, inset below left, Beano comic books. Below, Oor Wullie himself

Peter Hansen, originally from Byker, Newcastle, devoted decades to acquiring what is widely regarded within the collecting world as the largest and finest collection of British comics and original comic artwork in private hands, according to Newcastle auctioneer Anderson & Garland.

Growing up in the 1950s, Mr Hansen started collecting comics as a young lad, spending his pocket money on titles such as The Beezer and The Topper.

But what began as a childhood hobby turned into a lifelong passion.

Over the years, even after moving to Canada and building a successful career as an engineer and later an environmental business owner, he kept collecting.

His archive now holds over 40,000 comics, 20,000 pieces of original artwork and nearly 900 bound publisher volumes, along with a vast amount of memorabilia covering the golden age of British comics and beyond.

It includes rare first issues, publisher records and pay books showing who created what, making it a treasure trove for anyone studying comics or British popular culture.