a-collection-of-original-paintings-for-the-ice-capades-el-lew-joe-de-mers
Lot 735
A Collection of Original Paintings for the Ice Capades, El Lew & Joe De Mers
Lot Details & Additional Photographs
The first the original cover illustration for the 1956 program by El Lew and featuring Donna Atwood as Peter Pan, gouache on illustration board, signed at lower right, retaining a MetroMedia Inc. label to the verso (DOA 26 x 22 in.) (some pinholes along left edge; small paint flake to one cloud); the second the original cover illustration for the 1957 program by El Lew and featuring Rosemary Henderson in mid jump, gouache on illustration board, signed at lower left (DOA 24.25 x 19.5 in.); the third the original cover illustration by Joseph De Mers (CA/SC, 1910-1984) for the 1951 program featuring Donna Atwood, signed at lower right, gouache on illustration board (DOA 20 1/8 x 15 in.); the fourth the original cover illustration for the 1954 program and featuring Donna Atwood, gouache on board, unsigned (DOA 21.75 x 18 in.) (remnants of original mat board); the fifth the original cover illustration for the 1958 program by El Lew, signed at lower left, gouache on illustration board, with label for MetroMedia Inc. to the verso (DOA 24 x 20 in.); and the sixth the original cover illustration for the 1959 program, unsigned, gouache on illustration board, unsigned (DOA 24 x 18.75 in.) (unevenly trimmed board, scratching and re-touch to image, scattered water spots).

From the Estate of the late Owen Russel Best Jr., of Charlottesville, Virginia An electrical engineer by profession, Owen Best's long-time passion for and knowledge of horses, horse drawn carriages, and antiques led to his position of Curatorial Services and as Director of the Carriage Museum at Morven Estate, Charlottesvile, Virginia. John Kluge, the owner of the museum and estate, expressed indebtedness to Owen’s expertise, his commitment to the development of the Carriage Museum and his attention to the many details associated with it.