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THE ELDEST WEASLEY CHILDREN
Preliminary Sketch for Chapter 5, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (1999)
Mary GrandPré (American, b. 1954)
Pencil on parchment tracing paper
Signed lower right: Mary GrandPré
18 cm x 16 cm
£5,000 (excl. VAT)
This original preliminary pencil sketch, created by Mary GrandPré in 1999, was the initial study for the title artwork of Chapter 5 in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The final illustration appears in the published book as the chapter heading.
Chapter 5 marks Harry’s first in-person introduction to the two eldest Weasley siblings, Bill and Charlie. Though mentioned earlier in the series—Charlie studying dragons in Romania and Bill working in Africa for Gringotts—this chapter brings them vividly to life.
The night before their departure to the Quidditch World Cup, Harry is startled by a loud crashing noise from the garden. Upon investigation, he discovers Bill and Charlie dueling playfully with two battered tables, magically lifting and crashing them together in mid-air. Sparks fly as Bill’s table strikes Charlie’s, knocking one leg clean off. This dynamic moment, captured in the sketch, shows the violent clash of the tables with the Burrow softly silhouetted in the background. Notably, this lively scene was omitted from the film adaptation, making this artwork a unique glimpse into the original narrative.
Condition & Provenance
In excellent condition, with minor wear and natural wrinkles consistent with the artist’s creative process. Professionally conserved and mounted on museum-quality board with mats and protective covers.
Catalogue Reference: Houston & GrandPré C(2)