Edith Head Costume Illustration for Ava Gardner in Blue Bird, c1976

Edith Head (1897 – 1981), is considered to be the most influential costume designer in American film history as well as the most awarded woman with 8 Academy Awards won as Best Costumer between 1949-1973. Beginning as a Spanish teacher turned designer after her education at Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles, Head was hired as a designer at Paramount Studios where she worked for 44 years (1923-1967) after which she joined Universal Pictures by invitation from Alfred Hitchcock.

Blue Bird is a 1976 American-Soviet fantasy film adaptation based on the 1908 play L'Oiseau bleu by Maurice Maeterlinck, which centers on the adventures of two peasant children, brother and sister Mytyl and Tyltyl, on a quest for the Blue Bird of Happiness.

Ava Gardner as Luxury in Blue Bird, c1976. Designed by Edith Head.
Watercolor, marker, and ink on Bristol paper.

Approximate Measurements:
11" L x 8.5" W

Property from the Estate of Edgar Foster Daniels, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Condition:

Condition excludes the frame, matting, and glass.

The overall condition is very good though the paper has lightly yellowed from age and there are additional faint alternate view sketches on the right side margin.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Luxe Holiday: Couture & Luxury Accessories

Edith Head Costume Illustration for Ava Gardner in ***Blue Bird*, c1976**

Luxe Holiday: Couture & Luxury Accessories

Edith Head Costume Illustration for Ava Gardner in Blue Bird, c1976

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup

Edith Head Costume Illustration for Ava Gardner in ***Blue Bird*, c1976**