Sotheby’s London Will Host “First Editions: Redrawn,” a Charity Auction
On Monday 8th December, Sotheby’s will host "First Editions: Redrawn," an auction of annotated first editions from some of the world’s greatest-living illustrators to raise money for House of Illustration. Thirty-four much-loved illustrators-and some authors-have annotated and re-drawn timeless classics, giving a unique insight into the creative process involved.
Each illustrator has carefully selected and returned to their chosen books, providing additional illustrations, comments on existing drawings or even personal insights about the motivation behind characters.
Highlight lots include:
- Terry Gilliam Annotations of Mortality
- Raymond Briggs The Snowman including personal insights about the landscape and characters
- Peter Blake Alice Through the Looking-Glass including new illustrations and annotations of this all-time classic
- Quentin Blake’s reworking of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory which is the only copy to include the drawing of character Vanilla Fudge
- Michael Bond, author of A Bear Called Paddington, has annotated this rare first edition with personal insights throughout
- Judith Kerr’s The Tiger who came to tea, has the tiger wearing a top hat and includes annotations on the story behind its creation
- Paula Rego Nursery Rhymes has added a number of personal, insights into this classic work
- Tony Ross and David Walliams’ Demon Dentist, includes new illustrations and extensive annotations by David Walliams
- Axel Scheffler and Julia Donaldson’s The Gruffalo comes complete with extra characters from Scheffler’s other well-known stories and extensive annotations from Julia Donaldson
- Gerald Scarfe’s The Making of Pink Floyd The Wall with numerous annotations, mixed media and a new illustrated dust jacket
- Linda Kitson’s The Falklands War-A Visual Diary including never-seen preliminary sketches from the first officially-commissioned British female war artist
The catalogue can be viewed online here:
http://www.houseofillustration.org.uk/news/latest-news/first-editions-redrawn-at-sothebys
Dr Philip Errington, Director, Sotheby’s Books & Manuscripts says: “This charity sale at Sotheby’s demonstrates authors and illustrators re-engaging with their works. The thought behind the sale is simple: a collectable first edition has been given to an illustrator or author and the creator has been asked to annotate the text or illustrations. The responses are as varied as the individual creative spirits. The act of confronting first editions and engaging with them has created the ultimate copies of these works.”
The funds raised from the auction will enable House of Illustration to fulfil its ambitions for the new space, to promote and foster new illustration talent, engage more people in illustration and to further develop its pioneering education work, which uses illustration to develop key literacy, creative and communication skills.
House of Illustration is most grateful to Sotheby’s for wavering its commissions on the sale of these books.
Opening Hours for viewing the first editions at Sotheby’s
Friday 5 December, 9am-4.30pm
Sunday 7 December, 12noon-5pm
Monday 8 December, 9am-4.30pm
Auction in London at Sotheby’s
8 December 2014, 7.30pm (doors open 7.15pm) 34-35 New Bond Street London, W1A 2AA
House of Illustration is the key place to see, learn about and enjoy illustration in all its forms; from picture books to political cartoons, advertisements to animation and scientific drawings to fashion design. The new gallery and education space opened in July 2014 in Granary Square at the heart of the King’s Cross regeneration area. It is a major new arts space, with an accessible and exciting creative programme of exhibitions, talks and events.
www.houseofillustration.org.uk
@illustrationHQ
House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square, King's Cross London N1C 4BH
