Two pencil sketches of Paddington bear both matted and framed. These were bought at a container sale approximately 20 years ago just outside of New Orleans Louisiana.
One work measures 10 x 11 1/2”, the larger measures 10 x 12 1/4”. The ladder is the full sketch of Paddington bear. The former is Paddington bear behind the wheel of a car.
Hello, this item is a pair of pencil sketches depicting Paddington Bear, executed in a loose, expressive hand and signed “Peggy Fortnum.” Peggy Fortnum is the original illustrator of Paddington Bear, active from the late 1950s onward, and her authentic drawings hold collector interest. The sketches show stylistic traits consistent with her work, including quick, gestural line work and characteristic facial expression. However, the signature appears informal and somewhat inconsistent in placement and execution, and without clear provenance or supporting documentation, it is not possible to confirm these as original drawings by Fortnum rather than later copies, reproductions, or studio style works. The framing and paper also suggest a later presentation rather than direct archive material.
From a market perspective, authenticated original Peggy Fortnum sketches can carry strong value, often reaching into the low thousands depending on subject, size, and provenance. In contrast, unsigned, unverified, or decorative copies fall into a much lower category. Given the current uncertainty around authenticity and the lack of supporting documentation, these should be valued conservatively within the decorative market. The fair market value is estimated at $100 to $300 USD for the pair.