Mark your diaries! The Kickstarter campaign by Korero Press to publish Arthur Ferrier’s Pin-up Parade, a sizzling three-volume classic cartoon collection, launches soon.
Launching next Tuesday, 12th November 2025, Arthur Ferrier’s Pin-up Parade, curated by author and designer Rian Hughes, is the latest project from the specialist publisher of amazing titles such as Rayguns and Rocketships (now available in a revised edition with 16 more pages), The Lost Diaries of Nigel Molesworth and Sex and Horror: The Art of Alessandro Biffignandi: a stunning-looking three-volume set of books edited by designer Rian Hughes, highlighting the work of one of Britain’s most prolific and cherished pin-up illustrators.
Arthur John Ferrier (1891–1973), born in Glasgow, Scotland, began his career as an analytical chemist but quickly found his true calling in illustration. After relocating to London in 1919, Ferrier’s talent was soon recognised, leading to contributions to major publications like Punch, News of the World, and Blighty. His glamour strip cartoons made him a household name, and his work continues to be admired for its humour and allure.
Now, Korero Press have lined up an exciting new project: Arthur Ferrier’s Pin-up Parade, a treasure trove of tantalising pin-up art from this master of the genre. The publisher teased the new three-volume set highlighting the work of one of Britain’s most prolific and cherished pin-up illustrators at the Lakes International Comic Art Festival in September, and the test volumes look absolutely incredible.
Arthur Ferrier’s Pin-up Parade is a unique and captivating set of books, showcasing one of Britain’s most cherished pin-up illustrators. It brings together a comprehensive collection of Ferrier’s work, which defined the heyday of British pin-up cartoons for nigh-on four decades.
In clean, elegant ink line he rendered the fashionable female form with consummate virtuosity and style. Through comic strips, cartoons and advertising art, few illustrators were as celebrated or prolific.
Whether blondes or brunettes, showgirls or housewives, Ferrier’s talent for drawing attractive women shines through in every one of his pin-up cartoons. A big hit with the troops during World War Two, Ferrier’s cheeky covers and quick-fire comic strips raised not only morale but a few eyebrows. After the end of hostilities, Ferrier continued to chart mid-century fads and fashions right up to the dawn of the Summer of Love.
This new three-volume set includes cartoons plucked from the pages of Blighty magazine, news clippings, posters, magazine covers, rare original art, and an introduction by Rian Hughes.
Above: the full covers from Arthur Ferrier’s Pin-up Parade collection, and sample spreads from each book, presented as a slideshow
As an added bonus, Korero Press have included several articles by Ferrier himself, that offer valuable insights into his working methods. These articles remain just as relevant for budding and professional pin-up artists and illustrators today as when they were first written.
The Arthur Ferrier’s Pin-up Parade collection has been meticulously researched and compiled by renowned author, designer, and illustrator Rian Hughes, author of numerous books, including Logo-a-gogo and Rayguns and Rocketships, as well as the novels The Black Locomotive and XX. With a passion for vintage illustration and an eye for detail, Rian Hughes has put in extensive research to bring Arthur Ferrier’s work back into the limelight.
“I’m a bit of a collector of old magazines,” says Rian, revealing his interest in Arthur Ferrier, “and I came across a few issues of Blighty on a market stall some twenty years ago and was astonished by his work. He has a natural facility with a brush, and having a keen eye for a curve, he accurately drew the fashions and styles of the period. He would always employ life models, male and female, which is why the outfits are so precisely evocative of the times.
“Some years ago, Image published a collection of my burlesque drawings from life in Soho Dives, Soho Divas. So, I already had an interest in the burlesque fashions of yesteryear, which feature heavily in Ferrier’s work. As I collected more and more of Ferrier’s work and accrued a small number of his original drawings, it was a natural step to pitch the idea of a book to Korero Press, who seemed to be the natural home for such a project… I hope a book will bring his work to a new and appreciative audience.
“There has been a resurgence of interest in the history of illustration and the legacies of some very talented people whose work deserves to be reappraised and collected. In addition to being beautifully drawn, they serve as an interesting historical document of bygone attitudes and illustrate how far we’ve come. I’ve tried to put this into perspective in the book.”
Be ready to celebrate Arthur Ferrier’s legacy and the enchanting world of pin-up art with this essential three-volume collection…
There will be pre launch event for the Kickstarter campaign on Friday 8th November, the full campaign launching soon after, on Tuesday 12th November 2025.
• You can also follow the project on Instagram
• For additional information about Arthur Ferrier and his work, check out the following articles on the Korero Press blog: “When Ferrier Met Roye: A Medium-Spanning Tribute to the Nude”; and “Rediscovering Arthur Ferrier: Pin-Up Artist Extraordinaire” — an interview with Rian Hughes
• Check out the incredible Korero Press catalogue in full at koreropress.com
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Books, British Comics, Comic Previews, Comics, Creating Comics, Crowd Funding Projects, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Other Worlds
