Original artwork from “Harry Potter” UK editions to be auctioned

Two original front-cover illustrations from the Bloomsbury editions of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will go to auction from Nate D. Sanders on March 28. The works were created by artist Cliff Wright using watercolor and ink for the 1998 and 1999 releases of the books.

The Chamber of Secrets illustration, seen below, shows Harry and Ron in the flying Ford Anglia before it was superimposed on a background image. It has two notes written along the top: “Please return Aw [artwork] to: / (undamaged)” and “For: Harry Potter shop display / To: Rosamund Walker – Bloomsbury.” Its starting bid is the higher of the two at $20,000.

The Prisoner of Azkaban illustration is a third draft, nearing the final design, and it is signed by Cliff Wright in the corner. It has the note “Emma / Changes as requested. Cliff.” In the margin is the comment “trainers,” suggesting Harry was not wearing athletic shoes in the earlier drafts. Its starting bid is $12,500.

While they may be a bit out of our price range, we can imagine how amazing it would be to own these pieces of Harry Potter history! What do you think of the illustrations? How do you feel about them compared to all the new cover illustrations released more recently? Tell us in the comments.