9

Ernest Howard Shepard

(1879-1976)

H. Mole lift-operator. 1949.

Pen and ink
Initialed in lower right. Includes custom book label for the Holmes Collection printed by Alan Anderson of the Tragara Press in Scotland. Includes copy of "Wayfarers All" program for Grollier Club exhibition, 2008.

Publication:
Published on p. 25 of Bertie's Escapade by Kenneth Grahame (Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott Company, 1949). 
4 x 5 in. (10.2 x 12.7 cm.)

  • Provenance:
    David J. Holmes Collection

    Other notes:
    Bertie's Escapade was written prior to The Wind in the Willows as a contribution to a children's magazine whose editors were the small daughter of S. Sullivan, the artist, and Grahame's son, Alastair. Grahame made the lift-operator in the story a mole, because it would quite naturally be "experienced in underground transport." In her book, First Whisper of 'The Wind in the Willows', Elspeth Grahame explains that the lift-operator in Bertie's Escapade is a forerunner of her husband's more famous mole character. She writes: "The whole thing is sort of a rehearsal for The Wind in the Willows, though I think quite unintentional and therefore the more striking."
  • Condition: Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000