GARTH WILLIAMS, (AMERICAN 1912-1996)
PEN AND INK ON PAPER, FRAMED TO 22.5″ X 19.5″
SHEET SIZE 13.75″ X 11″
PUBLISHED ILLUSTRATION from TUCKERS COUNTRYSIDE
A stunning original published pen and ink by Garth Williams for the book “TUCKERS COUNTRYSIDE”, (the second book in the Cricket in Times Square series). The art is rendered in pen and ink on heavy paper stock, and was the final published artwork used for page 13 in the book. This is spectacular in both size and detail. However it is the portrayal of the scene that is the most superb. The art covers most all of the sheet, depicting the cat (Harry), pawing at small items including numerous buttons, appearing to look for something, while both the bird and the Tucker the mouse look on. Tucker appears hopeful with his paws crossed anticipating the cat will spot something in particular. Garth added immense detail such that the fur on the mouse appears completely 3-D! Tucker in Tucker’s Countryside (1969) is the mouse from the extraordinary and renowned children’s book The Cricket in Times Square. Here the mouse gets his own heroic tale, and is the second book of the series. Production notes outside of the margins. Unsigned. The verso has both the publishers address and we have included the cataloger’s notes in a sleeve on the verso. The art was newly matted, framed and glazed using 100% archival materials and UV glass. The frame has a lovely, rubbed pewter tone which showcases the art.
PROVENANCE
The art was purchased directly from the estate of Garth Williams via auction. Each piece is an original and sold directly from his estate. A copy of the original invoice will be included with each piece, and will provide both provenance and authenticity for the art.
The art is in excellent condition, with small publisher’s notes outside of margins.
**Garth Williams was a prominent illustrator of several of the most prominent children’s books including Stuart Little (1945), Charlotte’s Web (1952), The Cricket In Times Square, and The Rescuers (1959). Many of his original illustrations from these book have sold attaining high premiums, including his original illustration of the dust jacket for Charlotte’s Web which realized $155,000 at auction in 2010, and between $10,000 and $75,000 for original artwork of the interior pages. Other notable auction pricing of Williams original illustrations include sales of the original artwork for the interior pages of Stuart Little which also averaged in the $15,000 range per piece.
