The thrill of the hunt
is matched only
by the joy of discovery
The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection was introduced in 1997 with a powerful premise that has guided renowned museums, galleries, and collectors alike: the thrill of the hunt is matched only by the joy of discovery.
For those who have shared in the journey, you know the hunt for rare and special works has been ongoing for nearly 25 years, with each newly uncovered artwork revealing another facet to Ted Geisel’s (aka Dr. Seuss) remarkable talent. And, for those who have just become familiar with the collection, you
have arrived on the precipice of another critical discovery.
“For over two decades, we have searched murky waters and hard-to-find places to discover gems only rumored to have existed. Sometimes such works are revealed in rare early photographs, while other times they appear physically in coveted private collections. Yet the most elusive works are those that have been merely spoken or written about, but never seen.
Until now. ”
Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) with some of his sculptures, including the recently discovered Mugglesmirt.
THE LOST AND FOUND COLLECTION
The Cruel Hack-biter
His name suggests he is cruel and he bites, yet his demeanor and smile suggest otherwise. Therein lies the genius of this creature – his warmth is endearing, his smile charming, but if he sees a friend in need, he will protect his friends at all costs…sometimes having 56 teeth comes in handy.
Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss), saw his animals and characters not simply as animals, but rather as people in our lives – our friends, family and loved ones. In this work he showed us how to laugh at ourselves, and most importantly, to know who has our back.
“He is everything one would want in a companion.”
Cruel Hack-Biter
Hand-Painted Cast Resin Sculpture
Sculpture Dimensions: 5.25"h x 25"w x 1.5"d
Limited Edition of 850 Arabic Numbers, 99 Patrons’ Collection Sculptures, 155 Collaborators’ Proofs, 5 Hors d’Commerce
THE LOST AND FOUND COLLECTION
The Seasick Walrus
Can you imagine anything more contradictory than a walrus who is seasick? The mere notion is unthinkable. But think again, this is Dr. Seuss and anything is possible.
If you’ve ever felt that you did not quite fit in with your surroundings, or were slightly out of step, then you will understand the essence of The Seasick Walrus. With his irresistible smile and slightly askew tusks, he is all of us in those moments. And it is those instances that help define us and reveal our empathy for others who find themselves in similar situations.
“If you’ve ever felt like you did not fit in, then it’s time to meet your new best friend.”
Seasick Walrus
Hand-Painted Cast Resin Sculpture
Sculpture Dimensions: 6.37"h x 7.25"w x 4.5"d
Limited Edition of 850 Arabic Numbers, 99 Patrons’ Collection Sculptures, 155 Collaborators’ Proofs, 5 Hors d’Commerce
Discovery of the Hack-biter
and Other Lost and Found Sculptures
Original Walrus on Ted’s drawing table, photographed in 1935.
There has been scant evidence of additional sculptures made during the 1930s, when Ted was developing his Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy. From the black and white photo (above) of a creature on Ted’s drawing table which later would be discovered as the enigmatic Seasick Walrus, to the small green character sporting a shaving brush that would eventually be identified as the bemusing Mugglesmirt (as seen at the top of this web page), the thrill of the hunt has been an incredibly exciting journey.
The discovery of an historic film clip titled Unusual Occupations, is no exception. In this vintage film reel two additional works, each with the irresistible charm and whimsy of the others, have been revealed: the Cruel Hack-Biter and the Flowerpot Walrus. Here we see an unusual window into Ted’s personality in the only known clip of him interacting with his taxidermy pieces, among them these important sculptural finds.
Together, the Cruel Hack-Biter, Seasick Walrus, Mugglesmirt, and Flowerpot Walrus make up the rare and historically significant Lost and Found Sculpture Collection.
Unusual Occupations
and a historic look at
the Collection of Unorthodox Taxidermy
Click the short film below.
The Lost and Found Collection
and Rare Matching Number Sets
The Seasick Walrus and the Cruel Hack-Biter represent the first and second release from the four piece Lost and Found Collection. We are assembling matching number sets and a subscription series, allowing collectors to take advantage of this milestone opportunity over the coming years.
“Historic groupings of rare and distinct works are known to possess greater value
and collectability as a matching set.”
The Lost and Found Matching Number Sets include:
Seasick Walrus and Cruel Hack-Biter – available now!
Mugglesmirt and Flowerpot Walrus (future)
Please contact your art consultant for details on reserving your matching number set.
NOTE: The last sculpture will be at a special collector’s price for those who have completed the entire set – matching edition numbers across all four sculptures. Special celebration event for the unveiling of the last work. Collectors take possession upon release of each work.
The Hunt and Discovery
of Additional and Important Works
Some of the most sought-after works in the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection have resulted from our ongoing hunt and discovery, including such icons as Love and Music, Chase in the Forest, the Sea-Going Dilemma Fish, and countless others.
These three artworks above were privately owned. Through hard work and serendipity, they were discovered and brought into the Art of Dr. Seuss Collection.
We also continue to delve into the 4,000+ artifacts housed at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Geisel Library archive, which has yielded some spectacular drawings and paintings.
The lessons gained over these last twenty years are simple: curiosity and tenacity yield some of life’s greatest surprises.
“The lessons gained over these last 20 years are simple: curiosity and tenacity yield some of life’s greatest surprises. And, if you don’t look, you won’t find.”
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