BOSTON, MA – An iconic watercolor illustration from the first edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has set a new record as the most valuable Harry Potter item ever sold at auction. The illustration, created by artist Thomas Taylor when he was just 23 years old in 1997, fetched a staggering $1.9 million at an auction in the US.
Originally expected to sell for between $400,000 and $600,000, the artwork exceeded all expectations, selling for more than three times the anticipated price. This piece of art, featuring Harry Potter standing in front of the Hogwarts Express, was first auctioned in 2001 for £85,750, before the completion of the book series.
Kalika Sands from Sotheby’s auction house described the illustration as “the first visualization of Harry and the wizarding world.” The intense bidding war for the artwork lasted close to 10 minutes, ultimately leading to the unprecedented selling price. The buyer’s identity has remained undisclosed.
Thomas Taylor, a Wales native, had the privilege of being one of the first individuals to read the manuscript for the original Harry Potter book. His creation of the iconic image of Harry Potter marked the beginning of a phenomenon that would go on to captivate audiences worldwide through books, movies, and theme parks. The meticulous process of creating the watercolor illustration with black pencil outlines took Taylor two days to complete.
The steep rise in auction price from 2001 to now underscores the enduring popularity of J.K. Rowling’s imaginative world among fans of all ages. Sands noted how the Harry Potter franchise has transcended generations, resonating with new audiences and continuing to enchant readers and viewers worldwide. The auction’s success highlights the enduring legacy and widespread appeal of the beloved wizarding series.