SCHOOL OF MAGIC – FLUFFY

Mary GrandPré (American, b. 1954)
Preliminary Cover Concept for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, 1997
Pencil on parchment tracing paper
Signed and dated lower right: Mary GrandPré, 1997
24 cm x 16 cm

£75,000 (excl. VAT)

This original preliminary pencil sketch was created by Mary GrandPré in 1997 as an early concept for the U.S. cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Executed on parchment tracing paper, the artwork depicts the three-headed dog Fluffy, a fearsome guardian placed by Hagrid to protect the Sorcerer’s Stone deep beneath Hogwarts. Harry is illustrated just below the trapdoor—an evocative moment drawn from the book’s dramatic climax.

At the time this piece was produced, the novel’s working title was Harry Potter and the School of Magic, as reflected on the cover. The now-iconic “Harry Potter” font had not yet been finalised, making this one of only two known works in the collection to feature an early typographic interpretation.

Although striking and richly atmospheric, this cover design was ultimately set aside in favour of one that placed Harry Potter at the forefront—a decision GrandPré felt better captured the spirit of the story. Nevertheless, the piece remains an exceptional example of the artist’s early creative process and her foundational role in establishing the visual identity of the series.

Provenance & Condition
This work is in excellent condition. Minor wear and light creasing may be present, consistent with the artist’s working process. The sketch has been professionally preserved and archival mounted on museum-quality board with protective matting and cover.

Note
This is an original, hand-drawn preliminary sketch and not a reproduction. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire a foundational piece of Harry Potter publishing history, created by the artist whose illustrations defined the American editions for generations of readers.

Catalogue Reference: Houston & GrandPré A(1)