A collection of fairytale artwork is expected to fetch hundreds of pounds at Chippenham Auction Rooms in Wiltshire later this month.
The five pictures depict the story of Beauty and the Beast and are believed to be original draft images, drawn by illustrator Walter Crane, for a children’s book.
The pictures are part of a collection owned by an elderly woman from East Sussex, which also includes a variety of artwork from the 18th and 19th century.
The artwork was inherited from the woman’s aunt, who was an avid admirer of the periods art.
Auctioneer, Richard Edmonds, said, ‘I guess she saw it as a period of innocence and true romance.
“Everyone here has become enchanted with the pictures and I can see why.’”
The pictures, which illustrate the most famous scenes from the French love story, are estimated to make £200-£300 when they go up for auction on February 20.
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