19 May 2017
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ladybird books
Tennants’ sale of Books, Maps, Prints and Manuscripts on the 28 April included Part I of a collection comprising over 150 original illustrations made for Ladybird books by artist and illustrator John Berry
Ladybird books entertained and educated generations of children. Established as an imprint in 1915 with an aim to provide ‘pure and healthy’ literature for children, Ladybirds’ distinctive small hardback books combined simple yet engaging information vividly brought to life with colourful illustrations. John Berry was one of Ladybird’s foremost and longest serving artists; he illustrated over 35 books for Ladybird between 1961 and 1978, including the popular ‘People at Work’ series. Seen here are three original gouache and watercolour illustrations: 'Minesweeper' from People at Work- The Sailor which sold for £250, ‘Kippers in Kiln’ from People at Work: The Fisherman, selling for £250 and ‘Lifeboat Man’ from People at Work: The Life-Boat Men which went to a new owner for an impressive £1,150. All 24 lots in the sale reached a combined hammer price of £11,750.