Set of original illustrations for 'The Little Train' by Graham Greene

This is the complete suite of watercolour illustrations by Ardizzone for one of only four picture books for children written by Graham Greene. The work is a fine example of the sub-genre of picturebooks featuring train characters. Seven Stories holds most of the artwork, by Dorothy Craigie, for the first edition of this book, which was published in 1946. Acquisition of this later work by Ardizzone provides a wonderful opportunity to contrast two completely different visual interpretations of the same story. The acquisition also includes a complete pen and ink dummy book, with draft illustrations on each page, providing a valuable insight into Ardizzone's creative process.