Two previously unseen preliminary drawings of Winnie-the-Pooh by illustrator E.H. Shepard have surfaced for the first time on the centenary of the children's classic. Brought forward by Shepard’s family, the pencil sketches depict scenes from A.A. Milne’s original 1926 book that were never fully realized or published. These rare works, along with several other preliminary sketches that did make it into print, are currently on display and for sale at Peter Harrington Rare Books in London before traveling to the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair.
These drawings offer a rare glimpse into the creative process behind one of the world’s most iconic literary characters, capturing Shepard’s "first moment of inspiration" before they were refined for publication. While the majority of Shepard's Pooh illustrations reside in the Victoria & Albert Museum, these private sales represent a significant opportunity for collectors. The market for Shepard’s work remains robust, evidenced by the 2018 sale of his Hundred Acre Wood map for over $560,000, highlighting the enduring financial and cultural value of original book illustrations.