Description:

Sendak Maurice
Maurice Sendak signed envelope addressed to Herbert H. Hosmer of Toy Cupboard Puppet Theater

Cream colored envelope inscribed overall by children's illustrator Maurice Sendak (1928-2012), including his signature as "Maurice Sendak" in the return address label. The "Sendak" of the signature is a little smudged. The envelope shows some weathering and is letter-opened at top. Postmarked from New York City on April 1, 1969, the stamped envelope is addressed to "Mr. Herbert H. Hosmer, Racketty-Packetty House, Toy Cupboard Theatre, 57 East George Hill Road, South Lancaster, Massachusetts". The envelope measures 9.5" x 4.125".

 

In 1969, Sendak was living in a basement apartment in Greenwich Village. It was here, at 29 West 9th Street, that Sendak composed his most famous illustrated story Where The Wild Things Are in 1963.

 

Herbert H. Hosmer, Jr. (1913-1995) was a lifelong toy collector of antique paper cut-outs, moveable toys, games, doll houses, and children's books. He exhibited his collectibles at his home in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, where he also hosted a puppet theater. Hosmer operated the Toy Cupboard Theater for fifty years after its opening in July 1941, interpreting fairytales with his own hand-crafted marionettes. Hosmer also wrote extensively about collecting, especially about Victorian doll houses.

 

Hosmer became legendary in the field of children's collectibles, and Sendak was influenced by his work. Sendak even referenced Hosmer in an illustration from In the Night Kitchen (1970). Sendak's illustration of cake ingredients features a box of sugar called "Hosmer's Free Running Sugar … Product of South Lancaster."

 

Maurice Sendak was an award-winning children's book illustrator and author. Always interested in design, Sendak began his career by illustrating comic books and designing toy company shop windows. Where The Wild Things Are was followed by In the Night Kitchen (1970) and Outside Over There (1983). Sendak also created, wrote, and produced animated children's television programs.

 

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