Original pen-and-ink drawing that appeared (greatly reduced) opposite the Contents page of COUNTRY COLIC, with two autograph letters from Lawson — one that describes how publishers used his art in publicity.
Near fine.
Price: $6,000.00
COUNTRY COLIC was published by Little Brown in 1944, both written and illustrated by Lawson. Executed with his characteristic detail, the drawing here depicts a caterpillar walking across a clothes line where two leaves are hanging attached by clothes pins.
Accompanying it are two letters from Lawson to a noted book collector, William Easton Louttit. In the first letter dated May 15, [1944 or possibly 1945], Lawson responds to Mr. Louttit's request for this drawing. By way of explanation for the anticipated delay, Lawson describes the common practices of midcentury publishing houses for dealing with artist work product. Quoted in part: "I am so glad that you enjoyed Country Colic and would be very happy to tender the Adam and Eve drawing, but, as you perhaps know, getting original drawings back from the publisher is a rather long drawn out process. They are usually sent out for exhibition in book shops, libraries, etc. and used in various ways for publicity purposes. I will write Little Brown about this particular drawing, but fear it may be quite a long time before it is returned."
A terrific group, with original art by Lawson and a behind-the-scenes description of publisher's use of artist drawings for publicity.
n.p. n.p, [no later than 1944]. 4'' x 6'' image on 10'' x 8'' board. Original drawing on board, signed with Lawson's initials. Overlay caption in Lawson's hand: "When Adam delved and Eve span, Who was then the laundryman?" and another notation, "frontmatter / you have copy." WITH: two autograph letters signed by Lawson to same correspondent, written from Rabbit Hill. 15 May letter body with 13 lines in Lawson's hand; 15 Aug letter body with 9 lines in Lawson's hand.
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