Thomas Taylor, an art school graduate in the 1990s, secured what would become a pivotal gig for his career as an illustrator when he was commissioned to create the cover art for a new children’s fiction book. At the time, the 23-year-old was working in a Cambridge children’s bookshop in the U.K. with no idea that his work would cement its place in literary history.
The commission was for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the debut novel of J.K. Rowling, who was relatively unknown at the time. Taylor’s cover art, which displays Harry Potter about to board the Hogwarts Express, represents the first-ever visual portrayal of the now-beloved character.
This seminal watercolor illustration is anticipated to set a new record as the most expensive Harry Potter book collectible when it graces the auction block at Sotheby’s with an anticipated price range of $400,000 to $600,000. Previously in 2021, an unautographed edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone secured the record when it sold for $421,000 at Heritage Auctions.
“Taylor’s piece is integral as the visual linchpin for the boy wizard who has enchanted millions globally,” expressed Richard Austin, Sotheby’s Head of Global Books and Manuscripts. The illustration, which highlights Harry Potter’s famous lightning bolt scar and round glasses, “has become an essential element to what has evolved into the most adored children’s book series in present times,” he added.
The artwork, which Taylor completed in just two days after accepting the assignment from Bloomsbury publisher Barry Cunningham, made its debut on the 1997 first edition of the novel. Even then, customers visiting the bookshop where Taylor was employed were astounded to learn he was responsible for the book’s cover. The Harry Potter series has since been issued in more than eighty languages and sold over 500 million copies worldwide.
While Taylor’s art did not grace the U.S. edition, retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, it did appear on many translated versions. Furthermore, his original art was utilized in the June 2023 Bloomsbury reprint to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the series.
Previously auctioned at Sotheby’s in 2001, the watercolor fetched £85,750 ($107,000), despite the fact that only four of the series’ seven books had been published by that time. Set to be sold from the late bibliophile Rodney Swantko’s collection on June 26, the piece joins other 19th- and 20th-century English and American literary works.
In addition to this piece, Sotheby’s will auction off an original manuscript of Rowling’s 2007 work The Tales of Beedle the Bard during its New York Fine Books and Manuscripts Auction. This manuscript, estimated to be worth between $250,000 and $350,000, was an offering to Cunningham and carries the inscription: “To Barry, the man who thought an overlong novel about a boy wizard in glasses might just sell… THANK YOU.” Both the manuscript and Taylor’s painting will be showcased at Sotheby’s New York from June 21 until June 25 before the sale.
Reflecting on the painting’s significance, Taylor, who has since authored the children’s book series Erie-on-Sea, remarked, “It is astonishing to see the picture that symbolizes the starting point of my profession, preserved in time and still radiant. It reminds me of the moment I first encountered Harry Potter and the unique opportunity to craft an image that has become iconic.”
FAQ Section
- Who created the original cover art for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone?
- Thomas Taylor, an art school graduate and children’s bookshop employee, created the original cover art.
- What is the expected auction price for the original cover art?
- It is expected to fetch between $400,000 and $600,000 at Sotheby’s auction.
- Did Thomas Taylor know the significance of his cover art commission at the time?
- No, he was unaware of the future success and significance of the Harry Potter series when he created the cover art.
- Has Taylor’s original Harry Potter art been auctioned before?
- Yes, it was previously auctioned in 2001 at Sotheby’s for £85,750 (approximately $107,000).
- Can the public view the original Harry Potter cover art and manuscript?
- Yes, they will be on display at Sotheby’s New York from June 21 to June 25 before the auction.
Conclusion
The upcoming Sotheby’s auction presents a remarkable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of the Harry Potter series to own a piece of its history. Thomas Taylor’s original cover illustration for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, a magical artifact in itself, captures the essence of the story that has since woven itself into the fabric of literary culture. Likely to set a new auction record for the franchise, Taylor’s watercolor stands as a testament to the enduring influence and widespread adoration of Harry Potter’s world on readers across the globe.