SCHOOL OF MAGIC – FULL WRAPAROUND COVER WITH ORIGINAL TITLE DESIGN

Preliminary Full Dust Jacket Concept for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1997)
Mary GrandPré (American, b. 1954)
Pencil on parchment tracing paper
Signed lower right: Mary GrandPré
Dated lower left: 1997
26 cm x 59 cm
£125,000 (excl. VAT)

This is the earliest known full wraparound cover study created by Mary GrandPré for what would later be published as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. At this stage of development in 1997, the working title—Harry Potter and the School of Magic—was still in use, and this sketch marks the first visualisation of the entire dust jacket concept. Most significantly, it also introduces GrandPré’s original hand-drawn version of the now-iconic "Harry Potter" logotype, a stylised title design that would go on to define the branding of the franchise worldwide, including the celebrated film series.

In this layout, GrandPré was exploring how to integrate the book’s title seamlessly into the artwork. The phrase “and the School of Magic” is cleverly incorporated into the arch above Harry, a design element that would later be reworked to accommodate the final title, Sorcerer’s Stone. Curtains frame the front and rear flaps of the composition, suggesting a theatrical presentation—inviting readers to imagine the story as a magical performance unfolding before them.

This sketch also features several narrative details that would become visual touchstones for the series: the lower wrapper includes the first appearance of a mysterious hooded figure and an owl in flight, presaging both plot and atmosphere. It remains the only known original artwork by GrandPré to depict the complete early concept for the cover of the first Harry Potter book in its entirety.

Provenance & Condition
The artwork is in excellent condition, with minor creases and light wear consistent with the artist’s working process. It has been professionally conserved and archivally mounted on museum-quality board, with protective mats and cover.

Note
An exceptionally rare and historically significant piece, this full wraparound sketch captures the genesis of one of the most recognisable covers in literary history. As both an artwork and publishing artefact, it marks a defining moment in the creation of a global cultural phenomenon.

Catalogue Ref: Houston & GrandPré B(2)