London saw a lively gathering yesterday as Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's introduced its new comics division, bringing together press, influencers, buyers, and artists for an evening that blended industry insight with a touch of comic-book flair. TLA supported the event, which featured live saxophone sets, an illustrator drawing comic book themed portraits as they unfolded, and catering that kept conversation flowing. Guests also captured the night in retro style with Polaroid snaps, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening. Superhero-themed cocktails inspired by Black Widow, Captain America and The Flash added a playful nod to the world this new division is stepping into.
The move into comics marks the latest chapter in a story that began long before any capes or panels entered the frame. Stanley Gibbons Baldwins represents the merging of two iconic collecting houses: Stanley Gibbons, established in 1856, and Baldwin’s, founded in 1872. One began with a teenage stamp enthusiast in a Plymouth chemist’s shop, and the other with a family coin business. Each built its own legacy over more than a century before discovering they could create something even stronger together.
Today, Stanley Gibbons remains the world's leading stamp specialist, Baldwin’s continues as Britain’s premier coin dealer, and their joint auction house offers a home for collections of every kind. Their entry into comics is the next plot twist, one that hints at a broader universe still to come.
