Monsieur and Madame Gregory's Copy of Le voyage de Babar by Jean de Brunhoff

On Wednesday, at Bonhams, London, a unique first edition of Le voyage de Babar (1932) was sold. It bore an original drawing by Jean de Brunhoff, Babar's creator, of the beloved elephant in a hat shop. The salesman is offering Babar something fashionable but, perhaps, too small and insignificant for a royal elephant of his stature. 

The presale estimate was 10,000 to 20,000 GBP.

Jean de Brunhoff
Bonhams London, Knightsbridge, listing accessed October 27, 2024

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29882/lot/58/brunhoff-jean-de-le-voyage-de-babar-first-edition-authors-presentation-copy-with-full-page-pen-and-ink-drawing-of-babar-in-a-hat-shop-opposite-the-title-page-paris-editions-du-jardin-des-modes-1932/?utm_source=SFMC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UK_STS_COL_BOK_29882_1_25102024&cid=18130931

The buyers' premium for this lot is 28%.

Sold! Hats off to Babar!

That comes to a 10,000 GBP hammer price plus the 2,800 GBP premium.

Note:  I doubt there are very many Babar books by Jean de Brunhoff, or even by his son Laurent, that are drawn upon quite so exquisitely but, even so, readers who feel they've come upon a contender are encouraged to relay images here for posting. And a tip of the hat to you too.

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