An unusual “Gothic” style artwork created during college days by Misty and Tammy comic artist and book illustrator John Armstrong, measures roughly 38cm x 56cm, on cartridge paper. Unsigned and undated. Not his usual style.

This artwork is being sold on behalf of John’s estate. It is work he created during his college days but reflects his obvious skills as a draughtsman.

Where possibly I post these artworks out rolled and I will combine postage on multiple items.

John Armstrong, who passed in 2018, took to drawing at an early age, and started as a commercial artist for a Newcastle advertising agency, eventually taking samples of his work to London and, first drawing comics in the 1950s, initially a ballet story, “The Mystery Ballerina“, for Girl’s Crystal, as well as other work for the title, followed by “Cherry and the Children“, which continued in School Friend.

John is best known for his work in Misty and Tammy, especially for “Bella at the Bar”, the character’s initial stories written by Jenny McDade recently republished by Rebellion, but his work also includes “Moonchild” for Misty, written by Pat Mills and also re-published by Rebellion. “Grange Hill” for Beeb and.

Toward the end of his comics career he worked for DC Thomson, on strips such as “The Secret Gymnast” for Bunty (he worked in colour for the first time on Bunty covers and annuals).

All his work was based on people he knew. Bella, for example, was based on his girlfriend’s niece, so he drew her from life and Bella herself aged in the strip.

Outside of comics, he was known for his love of horses and ice skating, and drew promotional art for local rinks until illness prevented him from drawing on a regular basis.