The original illustration for the first edition of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has shattered records, selling for $1.9 million at Sotheby’s in New York.
The watercolor artwork, which depicts a young Harry Potter boarding the Hogwarts Express, fetched more than three times its presale estimate of $600,000.
The illustration, created by artist Thomas Taylor, was the subject of intense bidding. According to Sotheby’s, it took nearly 10 minutes for the four-way bidding to conclude on Wednesday, ultimately setting a new high for Harry Potter-related items.
“The response to this iconic piece of Harry Potter history has been extraordinary,” said Dr. Philip Errington, Sotheby’s Senior Specialist in Books and Manuscripts. “The illustration represents a significant moment in literary history, marking the introduction of Harry Potter to the world.”
Taylor’s cover illustration, featuring Harry Potter with his distinctive dark hair, round glasses, and lightning bolt scar, was originally used for the UK edition of the book and several international versions, though not for the U.S. edition, which was titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. The image has since become an emblem of the beloved series.
Reflecting on the auction, Taylor shared his astonishment at the artwork’s success. “I created this piece over two days, never imagining it would become such a significant part of literary history,” he said. “Seeing it achieve this milestone is incredibly humbling.”
The previous record for a Harry Potter-related item was held by an unsigned first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which sold for $421,000 at Heritage Auctions in Dallas in 2021. This latest sale surpasses that record by a substantial margin, underscoring the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the Harry Potter series.
Taylor, who was only 23 years old when he illustrated the book’s cover, worked in a bookshop at the time. His colleagues would proudly tell customers that their local bookseller had illustrated the now-iconic novel.
The auction also featured other significant works of English and American literature, but it was Taylor’s Harry Potter illustration that captured the most attention, illustrating the powerful legacy of J.K. Rowling’s magical world.
