Old Bill Newsletter

The Old Bill Newsletter was started by Mark Warby in July 1999, to help promote interest in Captain Bruce Bairnsfather and his famous character, and as a way of keeping the growing number of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide informed and updated on any newsworthy events. It also acts as a forum for collectors, giving them the chance to make contact with each other and share information.

Each issue contains a wide variety of material, from articles about Old Bill collectables and their history, to news on recent or forthcoming auctions, and the latest finds among collectors. There are also reprints of Bairnsfather cartoons, many not seen since their original publication.

Much of the material used in the newsletter is from the Editors personal collection and unique Bairnsfather Reference Archive. This vast private archive comprises of material gathered from sources around the globe during more than two decades spent researching the life and work of Captain Bruce Bairnsfather.

Contributions are welcomed from subscribers on any subject relating to Bruce Bairnsfather and Old Bill, and full credit is always given to the author of any article sent in for publication.

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Mark Warby has spent more than twenty five years researching Bruce Bairnsfather’s life and career, and is recognised as the leading authority on Old Bill’s creator by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. He has contributed material to two books—The Bairnsfather Omnibus and The Second Bairnsfather Omnibus (both edited by Mark Marsay and published by Great Northern Publishing) and has advised authors, journalists and television production teams seeking information about Bruce Bairnsfather.

Mark has written articles on Bairnsfather for Book & Magazine Collector, The Armourer, and the Worcester Evening News, and his collection and research have been featured in Collect It! Magazine, The Scotsman, Birmingham Post, Birmingham Evening Mail and various other newspapers.