Bidding for this lot will end on Sunday, December 7th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM GMT (7:00AM PST) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, December 5th or Saturday, December 6th.
Two original hand-drawn production drawings featuring Mrs. Rabbit and her children from The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, part of the BBC series The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends.
The sheet, showing Mrs. Rabbit tenderly with her children (marked "97"), is animated on a single sheet to maintain the intimacy of their interaction. The fine pencil detailing in their fur and clothing highlights the studio's commitment to texture and authenticity, a hallmark of TVC's craftsmanship.
In the close-up of Mrs. Rabbit (labelled "SEQ 7 SC192A and "M7"), the delicacy of expression is remarkable: her eyes glisten with tears, her hands clasped in quiet worry. It's a poignant example of how The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends elevated children's television, conveying genuine emotion through artistry and restraint.
Rendered in graphite and colour pencil, these drawings capture the warmth, precision, and emotional depth that defined the work of TVC London, the celebrated British studio behind this award-winning adaptation of Beatrix Potter's tales. The use of different coloured pencils was integral to the studio's production process, indicating areas of shadow, depth, and texture for the ink and paint department. Each line served a specific purpose, guiding the colour artists who would later apply the series' signature wax-rendered surface, giving every cel its distinctive, painterly finish.
One drawing features a camera line that cuts across the lower section, showing where the shot would be framed and where animation would cease. This practical marking reflects the meticulous discipline of traditional hand-drawn animation. There are some minor signs of creasing on one sheet.
A beautiful and emotionally resonant pair of production drawings, representing the precision, charm, and humanity that made this series cherished worldwide. Dimensions (each sheet): 32 cm x 40.5 cm (12.5" x 16")
Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Buyer's Guide.
Estimate: £250 - 500 M
View all lots from WORLD OF PETER RABBIT AND FRIENDS, THE (TV SERIES, 1992-1998): THE TALE OF PETER RABBIT AND BENJAMIN BUNNY