Original sketch of Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore

Ernest H. SHEPARD   |   A. A. MILNE

Item#: 124875 We're sorry, this item has been sold

Original sketch of Pooh, Piglet and Eeyore

EARLY DRAWINGS OF EEYORE, PIGLET AND WINNIE THE POOH, SKETCHED BY ERNEST H. SHEPARD

SHEPARD, Ernest H. Original pencil sketch [Pooh, Piglet, and Eeyore]. No place, circa 1925. Single leaf of paper, measuring approximately 9-1/2 by 8-1/2 inches; handsomely matted and framed, entire piece measures approximately 24 by 18 inches.

Original early sketch by Shepard of three of the most beloved characters in children’s literature, believed to precede the book publication of the characters, handsomely framed. From the Shepard family home.

"A.A. Milne had written a series of children's verses for Punch and Shepard [by 1921, a member of the magazine's staff] was asked to illustrate them. This was a wonderful marriage of verse and vision. His delicately precise and fresh drawings had an instant appeal" (DNB). Indeed, Shepard's delightful drawings for the eventual "Pooh Quartet"—When We Were Very Young (1924), Winnie the Pooh (1926), Now We Are Six (1927) and The House at Pooh Corner (1928)— "add so much to the books that most people consider them to be inseparable from the texts" (Silvey, 462). This charming sketch, from the Shepard family home, features the ever-gloomy Eeyore, Piglet garbed in an oversized sweater and Pooh hugging his pot of honey. Shepard has indicated these figures are "Roughs" in the upper left corner. Original drawings by Shepard of Pooh characters are increasingly scarce. Frame label of Chris Beetles Gallery in London. The owner, Chris Beetles, an expert dealer in original illustrations, personally attested to this sketch's Shepard family home provenance.

A delightful and desirable piece in fine condition.

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Author's full list of books

SHEPARD, Ernest H. >
MILNE, A. A. >