"HAPPY H.C. ANDERSEN DAY!": POSTER INSCRIBED BY MAURICE SENDAK TO A CLOSE FRIEND
SENDAK, Maurice. Poster inscribed ["International Children's Book Day"]. No place: [Children's International Book Council], [1970]. Color poster, measuring 11 by 15 inches; handsomely matted and framed, entire piece measures 14 by 19 inches. $2800.
Lovely color-printed poster inscribed by Maurice Sendak to a close friend, "For Elizabeth—happy H.C. Andersen day! Maurice Sendak Sept. 76."
The poster depicts a scene from the Hans Christian Andersen tale "The Emperor's New Clothes," with an inset banner stating "Hans Christian Andersen April 2, 1805-August 4, 1875." Sendak chose this poster to be included in his Posters collection, one of only 24 to be selected. Hanrahan C1. The former owner of this inscribed print was Maurice Sendak's neighbor, Andrew, from Ridgefield, Connecticut. Sendak bought a home and studio in Ridgefield in 1972 with his longtime partner, Eugene Glynn, and lived there until his death. Andrew first encountered Sendak in 1975 during one of his daily dog walks. (Sendak owned many dogs throughout his life, and they often starred in his books.) Andrew was immediately taken with Sendak, who reminded him of his recently deceased father. One day, Andrew called Sendak at home and asked if he could join him on his walks. Andrew and Sendak thus embarked on a 37-year friendship that also included the Andrew's mother, Betty, as well as Andrew's brother. Sendak went on long walks and hikes with Andrew and his family regularly, discussing general life events, opera, and books. He also invited them into his studio to show off works in progress. Andrew's mother, Betty, was an avid reader and collector and she and Sendak would talk late into the night about books. Sendak offered Betty advice about how to find and authenticate rare children's books, which she used to build her collection. Additionally, he frequently bartered for autographs (i.e. a cake for an inscribed drawing featuring the cake). Sendak often referred to Betty as "Elizabeth" in inscriptions as he felt that "Betty" was too common a name. The many inscribed drawings, along with first editions, signed books, and other valuable items grew into one of the country's premier Sendak collections.
Fine condition.