A celebration of Britain’s comic art heritage arrives this month at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, as it becomes one of the first venues to host The Cartoon Museum’s first touring exhibition.
Comics: The Famous & Forgotten will open on 17 January and will be held until 15 March 2026. The exhibition shines a spotlight on Britain’s rich comic tradition, its icons, innovators and the overlooked creators who shaped generations of readers.
The exhibition features a selection of iconic, nostalgic and surprising artworks from the London based Cartoon Museum’s renowned collection. As the only museum in Britain dedicated to preserving and celebrating comic and cartoon history, the Cartoon Museum is dedicated to preserving the best of British cartoons, caricatures, comics and animation.
The Cartoon Museum received £245,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2024 to launch a three‑year programme of touring exhibitions. The Beacon Museum will be one of the first venues in the UK, to host this exciting new touring collection.
Visitors are invited on a journey through more than a century of British comic history. The exhibition explores the birth of the comic strip in Victorian Britain, the riotous humour of Beano, Viz and 2000AD, and the rise of homegrown superheroes. It also highlights the groundbreaking work of artists such as David Lloyd and Bryan Talbot, whose influence helped cement Britain’s reputation as a global powerhouse in comic storytelling.
Alongside the classics, The Famous & Forgotten uncovers the lesser‑known stories such as the world of girls’ comics, the rebellious underground zine movements, and the fresh perspectives of today’s emerging artists. Each display invites visitors of all ages to rediscover old favourites and perhaps even feel inspired to create their own.
Hannah Whyte, collections curator at The Cartoon Museum, said: “We're excited to get this exhibition on the road, and to share our collection of British cartoons and comics with wider audiences - from iconic characters like Dennis the Menace - to hidden gems you might not have heard of before!”
The Beacon will also host a special comic competition, giving young creators the chance to produce their own original comic. Selected entries will be printed and displayed at The Beacon Museum, offering a great opportunity for budding artists to see their work showcased.
The competition is open across three age categories:
- Age group 1 (4 - 6 years)
- Age group 2 (7 - 10 years)
- Age group 3 (11 - 16 years)
Entries must be hand‑drawn, family‑friendly, and limited to one original comic per child. More information about the competition can be found here.
Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant and Healthy Places, said:
“Comics: The Famous & Forgotten is a great opportunity for people of all ages to explore a unique part of Britain’s cultural history.
“It’s a chance for local residents and visitors alike, to explore the stories behind the characters so many of us grew up with, while also discovering artists and comics we might never have heard of.
“The exhibition has plenty of charm, and the comic competition is a great chance for young people to get involved. I hope everyone who comes along finds something that sparks their interest.”
Heather Holmes, Customer and Visitor Experience Manager added: “Comics - The Famous and Forgotten celebrates the creativity and playful humour of comics. From much loved favourites to overlooked pioneers. We are delighted to bring this vibrant exhibition to The Beacon Museum, where it can be enjoyed by families, comic fans and visitors alike.”
Comics: The Famous & Forgotten promises an engaging, colourful and inspiring experience for families, comic enthusiasts and anyone curious about the art form that has shaped British culture in ways both famous and forgotten.