Helen E. Hokinson: Preparing the Feast

The pigments in Helen E. Hokinson's New Yorker cover original art of November 27, 1937, have faded somewhat over the years, but it hasn't lost its charm or its humor. Last year, New Haven auctions of Branford gave it an anemic estimate of $200 to $400. It sold for $3,250.

Helen E. Hokinson
Framed original art
The New Yorker, November 27, 1937

Detail of table and dog

Helen E. Hokinson
Original art
The New Yorker, November 27, 1937

Helen E. Hokinson's signature

Helen E. Hokinson
New Haven Auctions October 17, 2021

https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/helen-hokinson-original-new-yorker-cartoon-1937-701-c-d724394bda

Helen E. Hokinson
Original art
The New Yorker, November 27, 1937

Helen E. Hokinson
The New Yorker, November 27, 1937

All the pen strokes are visible in high-res:

Helen E. Hokinson
Framed original art
The New Yorker, November 27, 1937

Note:   Yes, I did post this cover last Thanksgiving, but this year I've added the original art. Owners of art by Helen E. Hokinson can help me to give thanks for this wonderful cartoonist by allowing me to post scans and photos.

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George Booth: A Song After Dark

Cartoonist George Booth turns 95 tomorrow. That makes today the perfect occasion to enjoy the original art from one of his 1978 New Yorker man-in-the-bathtub cartoons. It was sold at Swann Galleries some four decades after publication in regrettably faded condition. It is generally accepted wisdom that a cartoonist should strive to simplify compositions and omit unnecessary detail. Thank goodness Booth doesn't follow that advice.

"Last night I heard a cicada."
George Booth
Original art
The New Yorker, June 19, 1978, page 35

George Booth
Swann Auction Galleries
March 21, 2017
Hammer price

https://catalogue.swanngalleries.com/Lots/auction-lot/(THE-NEW-YORKER--CARTOON--CATS)-GEORGE-BOOTH-Last-night-I-he?saleno=2440&lotNo=263&refNo=726662

With buyer's premium

Spot drawing by Lászlo Roth and cartoon by George Booth

https://archives.newyorker.com/newyorker/1978-06-19/flipbook/034/

Note:  I've been hearing a cicada or two recently myself.

I would be happy to post more original drawings by George Booth that are held in private collections. Please share scans or photos with me.

August 7, 2021 Update:  The spot artist is evidently Lászlo Roth. I have updated the post accordingly.

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George Booth: Faded Aphids

George Booth is aware that some of his originals have faded significantly over time.

Oh, if you get those drugstore Bic pens, that’s no good because they fade. You gotta be careful about that. Takes a long time, but if you put them in the sunlight… they’ll fade out.

—George Booth

A Case for Pencils, June 14, 2016

The original cartoon artwork "Aphids on the heliotrope!" is a case in point. But who added that caption in india ink?

"Aphids on the heliotrope!"
George Booth, Original art
The New Yorker, August 19, 1974, page 31

"Aphids on the heliotrope!"
George Booth, Original art
The New Yorker, August 19, 1974, page 31

The caption hasn't faded, but then it isn't in George Booth's hand.

George Booth's signature

Detail of a Door Jamb and Casing
This is what can happen when you give a camera to an eBay seller.

Detail with Flying Newspaper

Detail with Bug Spray

Detail of English Bull Terrier

eBay Listing Ended March 14, 2016

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Framed-Original-George-Booth-Aphids-on-the-heliotrope-Ink-on-Paper-Cartoon-/121909520244?hash=item1c625fa774%3Ag%3AhlwAAOSwX~dWrInh&nma=true&si=NfBtI1pFvI52zXvxuqz4OGCZWqI%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

eBay Item Description

George Booth, The New Yorker, August 19, 1974, page 31

"Aphids on the heliotrope!"
George Booth, The New Yorker, August 19, 1974, page 31

http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=1974-08-19#folio=030

"Aphids on the heliotrope!"
George Booth, Original art
The New Yorker, August 19, 1974, page 31

Note:  Do paper conservators have a fix for this kind of fading? Does anyone know?

In just a week, George Booth turns 90. There's still time to send images of original Booth artwork to help with the celebration. You know you want to. By now you should know where to find me.

Check out the archives for earlier pieces about the art of George Booth and other prime examples of original New Yorker cartoon art. 

Enjoy Jane Mattimoe's full interview with George Booth on her outstanding A Case for Pencils blog.

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