Original sketches by Roald Dahl, unearthed from a forgotten envelope, are set to be auctioned.
Created in black ballpoint pen, these drawings accompanied the manuscript for Dahl’s 1984 memoir, Boy.
Remarkably, these are the only known book sketches Dahl ever produced during his prolific, five-decade career. The author, who passed away in 1990 at age 74, drew them to illustrate various childhood anecdotes.
Lyon & Turnbull will offer the sketches at their Edinburgh auction of books and manuscripts on June 18th.
The collection, which includes the sketches, is estimated to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000.
One sketch depicts a prank Dahl and his friends played on the local sweetshop owner, Mrs. Pratchett, involving a dead mouse in a gobstopper jar. A whimsical illustration shows the mouse atop the sweets, legs akimbo.
The drawings were discovered within an envelope labeled “Dahl’s drawings & odds and sods,” belonging to Ian Craig, the art director at Jonathan Cape publishing house.
Craig, who passed away in 2023, used Dahl’s sketches as inspiration for the final illustrations in Boy. The archive also contains Craig’s designs, page layouts, and correspondence.
Craig even suggested the book’s title; Dahl wrote to him: “I must thank you for coming up with the first sensible title for my book. ‘Boy’ is fine. We all like it…”
Kate Craig, Ian’s widow and also a Jonathan Cape employee, explained that the book’s publication was rushed, and Dahl’s regular illustrator, Quentin Blake, was unavailable. Dahl stepped in to help.
She stated, “Dahl ended up producing a variety of sketches which Ian used as inspiration for his own drawings. Ian never got paid for the illustrations, but Dahl did give him one of his trademark blue cashmere cardigans as a thank you, which he treasured.”
Dominic Somerville-Brown, a rare books and manuscripts specialist at Lyon & Turnbull, commented: “It’s absolutely thrilling to see Roald Dahl’s one-of-a-kind, hand-drawn sketches up close. They are a unique addition to his legacy, showing the transformation of his childhood memories into a beloved book cherished by generations.”
“Ian Craig played a crucial role in Dahl’s publishing success, overseeing Boy and many other famous children’s stories. This archive offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind a book still enjoyed worldwide.”
Police attended the scene on Sunday morning after a call from a member of the public.
An identical model was believed to have been delivered to King George VI, auctioneers say.
A mural artist from the Highlands is painting Glasgow’ street locations with Gaelic words in an effort to promote interest in the language.
The annual event showcases the final work of art and design students as they complete their courses.
A year-long programme of exhibitions and events will celebrate the work of the legendary artist.