Raymond Briggs' Personal Library for Sale at Oxfam 2026

Raymond Briggs' personal library, a treasure trove of over 1,000 books from the beloved creator of The Snowman and Fungus the Bogeyman, has gone on sale at Oxfam's Hove bookshop in East Sussex and online. Donated by his estate after his death in 2022, this collection offers a rare glimpse into the visual and literary world that shaped one of Britain's most cherished illustrators.

A Window into Briggs's Creative Mind

The collection spans comics, illustration, novels, and social history, including works by Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts, and EH Shepard, the illustrator of Winnie-the-Pooh. A signed first edition of Graham Rawle's Woman's World (2005), composed of fragments from women's magazines, is also among the highlights. Other featured illustrators include Shirley Hughes, Aubrey Beardsley, Edward Gorey, and Posy Simmonds.

Rare Finds and Unexpected Treasures

Oxfam volunteers have noted about 30 comic annuals from the 1950s, offering “a glimpse into the visual world that shaped Briggs's style.” The collection also contains pamphlets on nuclear disarmament, a subject Briggs explored in his 1982 graphic novel When the Wind Blows. A 1974 book by Monty Python's Terry Jones and Michael Palin, Bert Fegg's Nasty Book for Boys and Girls, is listed alongside John Constable's reproduced sketches and a first edition of Russell Hoban's post-apocalyptic novel Riddley Walker.

Why This Collection Matters

Martin Hill, an Oxfam Hove bookshop volunteer, commented: “What’s fascinating is the range. You begin to see connections between the books Briggs created and the books and artists he chose to have around him.” The collection reflects Briggs's unique blend of the serious, funny, ordinary, and dark—themes familiar to anyone who knows his work. Born in Wimbledon in 1934, Briggs spent over 50 years near Hove, and the area inspired The Snowman (1978), which features Brighton's Royal Pavilion.

Comparison: Oxfam Hove Bookshop vs. Online

Key Takeaways for Collectors

• Rare first editions – Signed copies of Graham Rawle and Russell Hoban.
• Illustration masterworks – Works by Charles Schulz, EH Shepard, Edward Gorey, and more.
• Cultural snapshots – 1950s comic annuals and nuclear disarmament pamphlets.
• Support charity – Every purchase helps Oxfam fight poverty and inequality.
• Limited availability – Act fast, as interest is high among collectors and fans.

FAQ

Whether you're a dedicated fan of Raymond Briggs or a collector of fine illustrated books, this sale offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of literary history. Visit the Oxfam Hove bookshop or browse online today to secure your treasure.