WEST SUSSEX.- This September Bellmans Auctioneers, Wisborough Green, West Sussex is to auction a large collection of original cartoons, produced by the prominent and celebrated cartoonist Richard Willson. The cartoons will be sold online via thesaleroom.com from Thursday 5th – Friday 13th September. The cartoons include pen and ink drawings produced for notable newspapers and magazines such as The Times and The Ecologist. A fully illustrated catalogue will be available online prior to the sale at www.bellmans.co.uk and via the-saleroom.com.

Willson had strong links to the South having lived and worked in West Sussex and Surrey for the majority of his life. While most of the collection is of political and corporate cartoons, drawings for The Ecologist and other environmental publications are included, due to his interest and support for environmental issues.

The collection comprises over 800 drawings, which are to be sold either as single lots or as groups, with estimates ranging from £50 - £150.

Jonathan Pratt, Managing Director of Bellmans Auctioneers, comments: ‘I am very excited about the sale of the Richard Willson cartoons. This collection catalogues the political climate of the late 20th century and early 21st century. The style of humour could enhance the grandest of toilet walls!’

The collection will be sold as part of an online timed auction and will be split into two categories, the first being political cartoons and the second including environmental, celebrity and corporate cartoons. The political cartoons illustrate important and influential figures, highlights include; Tony Blair, John Major and Margret Thatcher. The second category boasts a large collection of celebrity figures including The Beatles and corporate figures such as Richard Branson.

Due to local interest, Jonathan Pratt and the vendor combined have decided to auction the Chris Evans cartoon for charIty, with the proceeds being donated to Children in Need.