Frank Bellamy Checklist Website and Blog: Garth

Monday, 12 October 2026

Frank Bellamy in latest Peter Hansen auction (Part One)

"Thunderbirds" TV21 #200, p.11

I hope you've got yourself a nice cup of your favourite beverage as this is a long article! The latest auction to include Frank Bellamy original artwork is very exciting as there are many pieces, so many I have taken the unusual step of splitting this article in two! Peter Hansen Collection of British Comics and Comic Art taking place on 24 October 2026, starting at 10:00 at Excalibur Auctions includes the following pieces

"THUNDERBIRDS" TV21 #200 (16 November 1968), page 11

This second page of a two-page story looks to be in good condition, the blues still looking bright. Compare this (above) to the printed page below (or at least a scan of it!)

The printed TV21 #200, p.11

The description by Excalibur is minimal and states: "FRANK BELLAMY - Original comic book artwork for the British comic book TV21 #200, page 11, featuring a Thunderbirds comic strip. (V)" But take time stare for a while at how Bellamy uses coloured inks on CS10 board - which didn't show up in TV21 towards the end of his run as the printing seemed to deteriorate.

Garth: The Mask of Atacama (G197)

GARTH: THE MASK OF ATACAMA: G197

The next lot is from "The Mask of Atacama" Garth story - number G197 published in the Daily Mirror Monday 20 August 1973 and we see Tiahuaca try to make a human sacrifice of Garth. Three panels but great staging from one to the other. The description states: "FRANK BELLAMY original comic strip artwork - GARTH: THE MASK OF ATACAMA, G197 (20th August 1973) Published in the Daily Mirror, Ink on board (V)" You'll notice the reverse of the board, on the auction site, has David Bellamy's authentication of his sale to a buyer - he, together with his mother Nancy, sold many pieces of art shortly after Frank's death.

Garth: The Wreckers (G302)

GARTH: THE WRECKERS: G302

"FRANK BELLAMY original comic strip artwork - GARTH: THE WRECKERS G302 (20th Dec 1973) Published in the Daily Mirror, Ink on board (V)" In the Thursday 20 December 1973 edition of the Daily Mirror , the three strips presented on page 18 were Bill Tidy's "The Fosdyke Saga", Jack Dunkley and Brian Cookes' "The Larks" and between these the above Garth strip. Again note the movement from frame to frame and how we know exactly what's going on as Bellamy (and Jim Edgar, the author) lead us from a trap to an open window and then onto the ledge. Bellamy loved films and his directorial eye here shows another career he might have taken!

Garth: The Angel's of Hell's Gap (J70)

GARTH: THE ANGELS OF HELL'S GAP (J70)

The third Garth strip in this auction comes from one of the two Western strips illustrated by Bellamy in his Garth run of 6 years. A favourite topic of the artist, he went to town on this particular strip. This one appeared on Wednesday 26 March 1975. "FRANK BELLAMY original comic strip artwork - GARTH: THE ANGEL OF HELL'S GAP (26th March 1975) Published in the Daily Mirror, Ink on board (V)"

PART TWO of this article and a further 4 exciting Bellamy works including two unpublished! If I sound excited, I am!

I'll add the finished prices to the usual spreadsheet and here when the hammer comes down!