RON’S GHASTLY DRESS ROBES

Preliminary Sketch for Chapter 10, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (1999)
Mary GrandPré (American, b. 1954)
Pencil on parchment tracing paper
Signed lower right: Mary GrandPré
17 cm x 15 cm
£3,500 (excl. VAT)

This original preliminary pencil sketch was created by Mary GrandPré in 1999 as the initial study for the title artwork of Chapter 10 in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, entitled Mayhem at the Ministry. The finished artwork appears as the chapter heading in the published book.

Chapter 10 captures the chaotic atmosphere at the Ministry of Magic following the eruption of the Dark Mark at the Quidditch World Cup, while Harry, Ron, and Hermione prepare to return to Hogwarts. In this scene, Mrs. Weasley has purchased dress robes for both Harry and Ron—items required for their fourth year. Unaware of their intended purpose, Ron holds up a lacy, somewhat moth-eaten-looking robe with a clear expression of disgust. In contrast, Harry’s robes are brand new. Mrs. Weasley explains that Ron’s robes were secondhand, and options were limited, sowing the seeds of jealousy that ripple through later chapters.

This sketch vividly captures Ron’s mixture of embarrassment and dismay, highlighting a humorous yet poignant moment in the narrative.

Condition & Provenance
In excellent condition, with minor wear and natural wrinkles consistent with the artist’s working process. Professionally conserved and mounted on museum-quality board with mats and protective covers.

Catalogue Reference: Houston & GrandPré C(3)