Art Funded by you

Artwork for the Eagle comic and other graphics

Frank Hampson, 1947-1968

Frank Hampson, Artwork for the Eagle comic and other graphics, 1947-1968, Atkinson Art Gallery, Art Funded 2016
© Peter Hampson

Frank Hampson was the creator and illustrator of Dan Dare, the iconic comic strip which first appeared in the launch issue of the Eagle magazine in April 1950.

Hampson was born in Audenshaw and went to school in nearby Southport, the Lancashire (now Merseyside) seaside town in which he produced Dan Dare and the Eagle.

This collection of drawings includes early artwork for the Eagle, including two pieces from the first year of the comic’s production. A student illustration of two men in a cockpit demonstrates the drama, life-drawing skills and focus on technology that later made the Dan Dare sci-fi stories so popular. From 1964 Hampson worked as an illustrator for Ladybird children’s books and this collection also includes an example of his work for the series.

More information

Title of artwork, date

Artwork for the Eagle comic and other graphics, 1947-1968

Date supported

2016

Medium and material

Pen, ink and gouache on board; pencil; gouache on board

Dimensions

38 x 50.8cm; 40.5 x 53.3cm; 13 x 20.3cm

Grant

1500

Total cost

6000

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