Between the Covers

Unbound. An archive of 18 illustrations by Ludwig Bemelmans for the stage design and promotion of his 1950 play, *Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep*, based on his novel and produced for the stage by Hume Cronyn (to whom this archive belonged) along with a Typed Letter Signed by Bemelmans on his East 73rd Street stationery and with the original mailing envelope addressed to Cronyn. Four of the drawings are in a large format (approximately 18" x 12" each), three of which are in color. Two of the color drawings bear a distinct resemblance to the artist's "Madeleine" character, in terms of dress, hats, and facial expressions. Another is an elaborate proposal for the play's advertisement, conceived as a carved marble marquee of sorts, heralded by a sleeping cougar with accompanying rough sketches and photographs for reference. The remaining drawings are in black ink and are roughly 5" x 7" each, and are character studies, framing ideas, and conceptual proposals for the diverse scenarios demanded by the play. Overall near fine of better. The play opened at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York on March 2, 1950, and starred Fredric March.

Item #389023