A remarkable collection of approximately 500 artworks by the acclaimed artist and puppet maker Peter Firmin, the visionary behind cherished children’s television characters such as Bagpuss, Basil Brush, and The Clangers, is set to go under the hammer. This extensive trove of creative output was recently unearthed at Firmin’s family home in Kent during preparations for its sale, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the mind and methods of one of Britain’s most influential figures in children’s entertainment. The collection, which spans original illustrations, storyboards, and personal art, will be auctioned on July 31 and August 1 at The Canterbury Auction Galleries in a live, online-only event, anticipated to draw significant interest from collectors, fans, and institutions worldwide.
The Legacy of Peter Firmin: A Pioneer in Children’s Television
Peter Firmin, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 89, was a pivotal force in shaping the landscape of British children’s television. His collaboration with writer and narrator Oliver Postgate under their production company, Smallfilms, yielded a string of iconic programmes that captivated generations. Firmin was the artistic genius responsible for the tangible elements of these shows – crafting the puppets, designing the intricate sets, and creating the distinctive backdrops that brought Postgate’s imaginative stories to life. Their partnership, which began in the late 1950s, was characterized by a unique blend of stop-motion animation, gentle storytelling, and memorable characters that resonated deeply with young audiences and their parents.
Among their most famous creations are Bagpuss, the saggy, old cloth cat who awakens to help Emily’s lost things tell their stories; The Clangers, a family of pink, mouse-like creatures living on a small, hollow planet in space; The Saga of Noggin the Nog, an adventure series set in a Viking-like land; and Ivor the Engine, about a Welsh steam locomotive with a penchant for singing in a choir. Firmin also contributed significantly to the visual development of characters like Basil Brush, the mischievous fox puppet known for his "Boom! Boom!" catchphrase. His profound impact on the industry was formally recognised in 2014 when he received a well-deserved Bafta lifetime achievement award, a testament to his enduring creativity and influence. The discovery of such a vast personal archive underscores the depth and breadth of his artistic contribution.
An Unprecedented Discovery: Clearing the Family Home
The momentous discovery came as Firmin’s family began the process of clearing out their farmhouse and its accompanying outbuildings in Blean, Kent, ahead of its sale. The property had been the family home since 1959, serving as both a residence and the creative hub where many of Firmin’s beloved characters were conceived and brought into existence. Over six decades, countless pieces of art, sketches, and prototypes accumulated, tucked away in cupboards and corners, gradually forming an accidental archive of a prolific career.
Katy Firmin, one of Peter Firmin’s six daughters, articulated the emotional experience of unearthing this "treasure trove" of her father’s work. "My family have lived here in Blean since 1959 and when opening various cupboards have found things we simply didn’t know existed," she stated, reflecting on the surprise and magnitude of the find. She described the process as an "emotional wrench," acknowledging the sentimental value tied to each piece. "But there are just so many things, he never threw anything away," she added, highlighting her father’s characteristic habit of retaining his work, a trait that now benefits a new generation of admirers. While the family has kept items of particular personal significance, Katy explained, "it’s time to share the rest." She expressed hope that the auction would allow fans to "own a little bit of their childhood," tapping into the deep well of nostalgia associated with Firmin’s creations.
The Canterbury Auction Galleries, entrusted with handling this monumental sale, has enthusiastically described the collection as a "treasure trove," affirming it as the largest assembly of Firmin’s work ever to be presented for auction. This volume of material not only offers a rare commercial opportunity but also provides invaluable insight into the creative process of a master artist.
The Collection: A Detailed Look at the Offerings
The extensive collection slated for auction on July 31 and August 1 encompasses a diverse range of artistic mediums and historical artefacts, offering something for every admirer of Peter Firmin’s work. Prospective bidders can anticipate finding original watercolours and intricate pen drawings depicting his most famous characters, from the gentle Bagpuss to the boisterous Basil Brush, and the endearing Clangers. These pieces often serve as direct windows into the visual development of characters that would become household names.
Beyond finished illustrations, the auction will feature original storyboards used for both his acclaimed television shows and children’s books. These provide fascinating glimpses into the narrative flow and visual planning behind the animations and publications, often revealing early concepts or slight variations from the final products. Among the most historically significant items is the very first hand-drawn comic strip of Ivor The Engine, a foundational piece for the series that launched Smallfilms into the public consciousness in 1959. This item, in particular, is expected to attract fervent bidding due to its unique status as the genesis of Firmin and Postgate’s collaborative success.
The sale also includes a selection of rare, collectible toys and games directly associated with Firmin’s characters, offering tangible links to the programmes that defined a generation. These might range from early prototypes to limited-edition merchandise, each piece imbued with the nostalgia of childhood. Additionally, the collection delves into Firmin’s personal artistic pursuits, showcasing a substantial number of his linocuts and engravings. These works, often less known than his commercial output, reveal a different facet of his artistic talent and provide a broader understanding of his creative range beyond the realm of children’s media.
Susanna Woodgate, a specialist valuer at The Canterbury Auction Galleries, underscored the significance of the collection. "The Canterbury Auction Galleries is proud to be auctioning the studio collection of Peter Firmin," she stated. "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." She also shared a personal note on the experience, adding, "Cataloguing the items has been a real nostalgia trip," a sentiment likely shared by many who grew up watching Firmin’s creations. Highlights of the sale, as noted by the auction house, include hand-painted illustrations that visibly display Firmin’s creative process, complete with visible changes and corrections, alongside collectible models of characters from The Clangers and Bagpuss, and even hand-drawn, previously unpublished book attempts discovered within the home.
Auction Logistics and Public Engagement
The two-day Peter Firmin Studio sale, held on July 31 and August 1, forms part of a larger four-day auction event at The Canterbury Auction Galleries. Given the unique nature and historical importance of the collection, viewing of the Firmin Studio sale items will be strictly by appointment only, ensuring a controlled and respectful environment for potential bidders to examine the works. This approach also manages the anticipated high level of public interest, allowing for dedicated time slots for serious collectors and enthusiasts. Interested parties can access the full online catalogues and secure viewing appointments by visiting www.thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com or by calling 01227 763337. The online-only format of the live auction is expected to facilitate global participation, allowing Firmin’s international fanbase to bid from anywhere in the world.
Preserving a Cultural Legacy: Museum Donations
Beyond the commercial aspect of the auction, the Firmin family has also made a significant philanthropic gesture, reinforcing their commitment to preserving Peter Firmin’s legacy for public enjoyment. They are formally donating the original Bagpuss puppet and the original family of The Clangers to Canterbury’s Beaney House of Art & Knowledge museum. These iconic puppets have already been on loan to the museum, where they have been a beloved attraction, drawing visitors who wish to see the tangible representations of their childhood heroes. This donation ensures that these cornerstone figures of British children’s television will remain accessible to the public, offering educational and nostalgic experiences for future generations, complementing the private ownership opportunities presented by the auction. This dual approach of public donation and private sale exemplifies a thoughtful strategy for managing a profound artistic estate.
The Enduring Appeal and Broader Implications
The auction of Peter Firmin’s extensive studio collection carries significant cultural and economic implications. Culturally, it underscores the enduring power of classic children’s television and the deep emotional connection audiences form with characters and stories from their formative years. Firmin’s work, characterized by its gentle charm, imaginative worlds, and handcrafted aesthetic, stands in contrast to much of today’s fast-paced, digital animation. The opportunity to own an original piece of this legacy is not merely about acquiring art; it’s about possessing a tangible link to a cherished past, a fragment of the innocence and wonder that Firmin and Postgate so skillfully created.
Economically, the sale is expected to attract robust bidding, particularly for iconic pieces like the Ivor The Engine comic strip and original character drawings. The market for animation art and television memorabilia has seen consistent growth, with collectors increasingly valuing original production artwork and props. The scarcity of such a large and varied collection by an artist of Firmin’s stature further elevates its potential market value. The auction also provides an invaluable opportunity for academic study, allowing researchers and historians to examine Firmin’s creative process through his sketches, corrections, and unpublished works. It offers a rare window into the development of stop-motion animation and character design in mid-20th century Britain, solidifying Firmin’s place not just as an entertainer, but as a significant artistic innovator. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the profound and lasting impact that thoughtful, handcrafted children’s media can have on society.
