Location:Propstore's Pop Culture - Art and Photography: London Spring 2026 Auction Title: BUTTONS - Holiday The Peter Longden Collection: Buttons Holiday Special 88 and Annual 87 Original Hand-painted Front Covers* Artist:Peter Longden (Penciller)
Media Type: Paint - Acrylic Art Type: Cover For Sale Status: For Auction at Propstore.com Views: 53 Likes on CAF:01 Comments:0 Added to Site: 1/29/2026
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Description
Original hand-painted cover artworks by Peter Longden for the 1988 Holiday Special and 1987 issue of The Buttons Annual. This lot comes from the personal collection of renowned cartoon illustrator and author Peter Longden.
Both of these published pieces are rendered on paper and overlaid with protective plastic sheets, to which the annuals' titles, prices, or BBC TV cutouts have been affixed. Characters depicted across the two images include Postman Pat, Jess, King Rollo, Henry's Cat, Jimbo and the Jet-set, The Flumps, Molly and Polly Glossop, and more. Longden has signed the Holiday Special cover in black ink, which is also inscribed "Buttons Holiday Special Cover" in blue ink. The 1987 cover is marked "Buttons Annual 1987" in pencil.
The 1987 cover exhibits a significant loss along the left border edge, while the "Holiday Special" wording on the 1988 cover shows some fading. Dimensions (Holiday Special cover): 52 cm x 39.5 cm (20.5" x 15.5")
Sold without copyright; see notice in the Terms and Conditions.
About the Artist:
Cartoon artist and author Peter Longden has written twenty-two children's books and illustrated a further twenty-four, including several Noddy titles, Rupert the Bear, and a book by Jeffrey Archer. His own creations-Major Tom, The Fun Guys, Fruit and Veg, Cannelloni, Detective Duffy, and the Globs-showcase his playful approach to storytelling and character design.
Over four decades working on comics, annuals, and magazines, Longden built a substantial portfolio of original published work featuring beloved television and children's favourites such as Bugs Bunny, Postman Pat, Tom and Jerry, Budgie the Little Helicopter, Puppy in My Pocket, Jess the Cat, Spot the Dog, Charlie Chalk, and Bertha. His hand-drawn pieces remain noted for their charm, clarity, and classic cartoon craftsmanship.
Estimate: £400 - 800 M
See Online Here: https://propstoreauction.com/lot-details/index/catalog/492/lot/187525
