In a remarkable turn of events, the original watercolor illustration used for the cover of the first edition of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” has sold for a staggering $1.9 million at Sotheby’s in New York. This sale sets a new record, making it the most expensive piece of Harry Potter memorabilia ever auctioned.
The artwork, created by Thomas Taylor when he was just 23 years old, was initially featured on the 1997 first-edition covers of the book, known as “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in the United States. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the book, Bloomsbury Publishing released a commemorative reprint featuring Taylor’s iconic illustration.
The painting far exceeded its pre-auction estimate of $400,000 to $600,000, increasing in value by more than 1,650 percent since it was first auctioned in 2001. At that time, Sotheby’s London sold the piece for $107,000 (£85,750), which was already a record for Harry Potter-related material. The identity of the current buyer remains undisclosed.
In addition to the watercolor, the auction also featured a handwritten manuscript of J.K. Rowling’s “The Tales of Beedle the Bard,” a book of fictional fairy tales referenced in the Harry Potter series. This manuscript is expected to fetch between $250,000 and $350,000, with bidding closing on Friday.
Thomas Taylor’s watercolor illustration was a significant part of “The Library of Dr. Rodney P. Swantko,” a notable collection of 19th and 20th-century English and American literature. The illustration was pursued by four bidders over the phone and online for nearly 10 minutes before the final sale, which was met with applause.
The illustration, which depicts Harry Potter on Platform 9¾ awaiting his first journey on the Hogwarts Express, was completed by Taylor in just two days. He used concentrated watercolors on cold-pressed watercolor paper with black pencil outlines and was paid $650 for his work.
The previous record for any Harry Potter item was set in 2021 when an unsigned first edition of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” sold for $421,000 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas. Taylor’s illustration has now sold for almost four times that amount.
Sotheby’s described the illustration as having the “highest pre-sale estimate ever placed on an item of any Harry Potter-related work.” The auction house emphasized the significance of the piece, noting that it was the first visual representation of Harry Potter and the wizarding world.
Kalika Sands from Sotheby’s highlighted the importance of the artwork, stating, “This is really the first visualization of Harry and the wizarding world.” She also noted the dramatic increase in the auction price from 2001 to now, reflecting the immense popularity and cultural impact of J.K. Rowling’s creation.
Taylor, who grew up in Wales, was one of the first people to read the manuscript for the original Harry Potter book. His illustration has since become an iconic image, recognized by millions of fans worldwide. The Harry Potter series has sold millions of copies and spawned a lucrative franchise, including movies, theme parks, and various merchandise.
The auction also featured other notable items, including a copy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Sign of Four,” which sold for $960,000, breaking the record for any autograph manuscript by the author. The manuscript, signed twice by Conan Doyle, contains edits to “Americanize” the text for publication in the United States. It was offered alongside a collection of autograph letters between Doyle and J.M. Stoddart, the American businessman and editor of Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine, who commissioned “The Sign of Four.”
The letters provide a fascinating insight into the progress of the book, including discussions on the title and Doyle’s satisfaction with the printing and illustrations.
The sale of Taylor’s watercolor illustration marks a significant moment in the history of Harry Potter memorabilia. It underscores the enduring appeal and cultural significance of the Harry Potter series, which continues to captivate new generations of readers and fans.
As the Harry Potter franchise continues to grow, the value of related memorabilia is likely to increase, making this record-breaking sale a noteworthy event for collectors and fans alike.
Source: Sotheby’s, Heritage Auctions, Bloomsbury Publishing
