The original hand-painted cover artwork by Peter Longden for the 1989 Holiday Special of The Buttons Annual. This lot comes from the personal collection of renowned cartoon illustrator and author Peter Longden.
This mixed-media published piece is rendered on paper and overlaid with a protective plastic sheet, to which select cut-out elements have been affixed to complete the composition. Characters depicted on the cover include Postman Pat, Jess, King Rollo, Henry's Cat, PC Pinkerton, Charlie Chalk, Jimbo and the Jet-Set, among others. The Holiday Special cover is signed by Longden in black ink and further inscribed: "Buttons Holiday Special 1989' Front Cover." Dimensions: 39 cm x 29 cm (15.25" x 11.5")
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.