Kaminski, Stan

i) Four finished pencil, watercolour and gouache drawings with titles on acetate overlays, each approx. 365 by 275mm., signed lower right, mounted framed and glazed; ii) Six pencil drawings on tracing paper, each with ruled guide lines, approx. 365 by 275mm., signed on left, mounted; iii) Four preliminary rough pencil drawings, each with ruled guide lines, approx.. 200 by 130mm., unsigned; iv) Photographic contact prints in six sections mostly showing Rowan Atkinson in appropriate poses, 96 images, some annotations in felt tip, tears, creases and adhesive tape; v) Five photocopied sheets from BBC Graphic Design Department detailing opening titles, laid down to card; vi) Typed letter signed (“Rowan Atkinson”) to Stan Keminski expressing the opinion that “the paintings are very fine and captured the satirical style very well”, 1 page, 4to, London, 17 May 1999, mounted, holepunch holes and other holes (26 pieces)

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."

An archive of artwork for Richard Curtis and Ben Elton’s BAFTA award-winning Blackadder the Third. The finished illustrations were featured in the opening titles which show Rowan Atkinson as Edmund Blackadder searching through a shelf of elegant books. Having selected a large volume it is revealed to have a hollow middle that conceals a cheap romantic novelette with salacious title. This archive relates to this sequence and includes examples of preliminary rough sketches (probably by a BBC designer), large first pencil drawings and four finished illustrations. These were the original illustrations used to produce the salacious novelettes.

Episode 1 (Dish and Dishonesty) is represented by preliminary rough and first pencil drawing. Episode 2 (Ink and Incapability) is represented by all three stages of artwork. Episode 3 (Nob and Nobility) is represented by the first pencil drawing. Episode 4 (Sense and Senility) is represented by all three stages of artwork. Episode 5 (Amy and Amiability) is represented by first pencil drawing and finished illustration. Episode 6 (Duel and Duality) is represented by all three stages of artwork. Missing artwork, including the finished illustrations for episodes 1 and 3, is thought to have been destroyed.