Doctor Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Production Cel and Storyboard by Chuck Jones is one of the artworks for sale at Heritage Auctions.
DALLAS— In celebration of the Golden Anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Heritage Auctions will be offering the largest collection of original animation art from the animated Christmas special. The auction of part Heritage Auctions animation art sale to be held in Dallas. The artworks are from the collection of the family of legendary animator Chuck Jones.
To be held on June 11 in Dallas, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Chuck Jones Center of Creativity in Orange County, CA.
The Heritage Auctions animation art sale will include 27 original pieces, all relating to the genesis and making of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Three exceptionally rare Key Master Set-Ups from the landmark cartoon, original artworks by Chuck Jones and Maurice Nobel used in the making of the cartoon are expected to drive auction prices very high. In addition, a plethora of important animation cels along with original Chuck Jones Grinch paintings featuring the characters of the Christmas classic are already generating excitement among collectors.
One of the major highlights of the auction is a remarkable hand-painted production cel of the Grinch looking into a hand mirror held in the mouth of his faithful pooch Max as he completes his Santa costume. A spectacular offering, this significant artwork is on the Key Master Hand-painted Production background from the scene of which the only one was made and used for the production. It is estimated at more than $25,000.
Another major highlight of the Animation Art auction is one of the first concept drawings of the Grinch by Chuck Jones. Listed as one of the earliest drawings of the Grinch character by the animator, the Grinch is depicted with a protruding belly. Accompanying the drawing is one of the first hand-painted cels of the Grinch. It is estimated at more than $10,000.
Jim Lentz, Director of Animation Art Auction at Heritage Auctions describes the collection as one of a kind:
This is an unprecedented offering and, more importantly than anything else, it comes directly from the Chuck Jones Personal Archives, chosen specifically by Jones’ daughter, Linda and his grandson Craig Kausen.”
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a Christmas classic. For decades, the story of The Grinch has continued to captivate the old soul and young people. First released in 1966, the animated Christmas special turns 50 this year.
Several other artworks by Chuck Jones from Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas will also be sold at the Heritage Auctions Animation Art sale.
