Description:

Jan Wahl & Shirley Wells Kerruish Archive (33 Letters) with Additional Correspondences

A lengthy archive of correspondences from Shirley Wells Kerruish to Jan Wahl, dating from May 13, 1961 to December 14, 1970. The archive contains 32 autograph letters signed and one typed letter signed, concerning drawings, poems, art shows, and everyday news. Many of the letters have sketches done by Kerruish; most have also retained their original envelopes. Highlights include:

October 29, 1961: "It pleases me that you should be so happy about my drawings. I am really so enthused that my mind is filled with pictures all day and into the night - it is very late now, and soldiers keep marching back and forth in my mind so I gave up and here I is. The drawing you like best - Halloween is finished, I dearly love her myself…truly I've been so delighted with these works that I'm overjoyed - they seem to compose themselves and silver runs out of my pencil without effort - your enthusiasm is helping…Shirley."

December 1, 1961: "This day I received catalogue from Saint Paul show and 'The Swing' was purchased so I am doing cart-wheels-happy ones! *Purchase was for Saint Paul Collection. The bird drawing I finally sent you - hope he arrives in good condition - please take your time having him done as I'm not in any hurry for him: Enclosing check for him and thank you so for your time…Shirley."

January 11, 1962: "I believe more and more in 'The Sled' I feel it will really find someone that believes in it as we do. I must ask a favor - please tell me the comments R.H. made about my work - the real things - know you think I might feel bad if they were not good but I would rather know so I could improve my work. So please tell…Shirley."

January 28, 1962: "I like the title you have given my painting - has a mysterious sound - if I can't find a name I like could I borrow it? I love the idea of a story poem and glad that the painting has inspired you. Funny, I have forgotten how many rabbits I had in the painting - was thinking of three only - if you did a poem it would be fun to make each rabbit a different kind, perhaps one white one with pink eyes…Shirley."

The archive also includes a group of 34 additional letters from other artists and authors, including Peter Parnall (2), Edward Ardizzone (3), Steven Kellog (2), Feodor Rojankovsky (1), Robin Jacques (3), Blair Lent (4), Adrienne Adams (3), Uri Shulevitz (10), and Erik and Lenore Blegvad (6). Most of the letters are handwritten and have retained their original envelopes. A handful of letters have been typed and signed. All of the letters have mail folds. Varying degrees of toning, soiling, foxing, tears, etc. Expected wear to the envelopes. Bold signatures and sketches.

Jan Boyer Wahl (1931- 2019) was an American children's author. He published over 120 works and is best known for his award-winning children's books, including "Pleasant Fieldmouse", "The Furious Flycycle", and "Humphrey's Bear". He was also an early consultant on the television show that would eventually become "Fraggle Rock". Shirley Wells Kerruish (1924-2018) was an artist who specialized in pencil drawings, water colors, and acrylics. The majority of her illustrations featured toys, animals, circus items, dolls, baby shoes, and antiques.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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