Rowling, J.K.--Taylor, Thomas.

8vo, first deluxe edition ("10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1" on publisher's imprint), unique extra-illustrated copy with an additional 12 full-colour plates of illustrations by Thomas Taylor (dated 2001 and 2002), signed by the author ("JKRowling" on title-page) and illustrator ("This book is specially | illustrated by | Thomas Taylor, and is | limited to one copy |  only | Thomas Taylor | 2002" together with an illustration of Harry Potter on dedication page), full niger morocco by Asprey with coloured morocco onlay design of Harry with sorting hat, gilt lettering to spine and additional gilt stars to covers, silvered edges with star design, morocco slipcase [together with] Taylor, Thomas. Ten original watercolours of scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, mostly 210 by 130mm., mostly signed or initialled by the artist and dated 2002

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A unique copy of the first Harry Potter book with additional illustrations in colour by the first Harry Potter illustrator, Thomas Taylor.

Thomas Taylor received his first professional commission to provide the upper cover illustration for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1996. This was the first ever depiction of Harry Potter and, after publication of the book in 1997, the image achieved world-wide fame. Taylor's original watercolour was sold in these rooms in July 2001 for £85,750 (lot number 612).

The English and American publishers of the books have not, to date, published colour illustrated editions of any books in the series. For his own library, the consignor of this lot commissioned Thomas Taylor to paint a series of colour illustrations for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 2002. These would comprise a frontispiece of the Hogwarts Crest together with Harry, a small vignette noting 'The End' and eight full-page illustrations. The scenes were chosen due to their significance to the story and to provide an even spread of illustrations throughout the narrative.

The original intention had been to bind the original illustrations into a copy of the book for the ultimate personal copy, but the thickness of the paper prevented this. Consequently, and with Taylor's permission, the ten original watercolours, together with two separate reproductions of Taylor's work, were reproduced on fine wove paper and sumptuously bound by Asprey in 2004 with a first deluxe edition of the book, signed by the author. The ten original watercolours are included with this unique copy that comprises, perhaps, the ultimate bespoke Harry Potter book.

Please note that this lot is a unique work and not sold with copyright, in either the published work or the illustrations.