Memento Gorey

 

Edward Gorey granted local photographer and documentarian Christopher Seufert access to film many of his activities during the final years of his life. Memento Gorey: The Last Interviews With Edward Gorey (2026 Schiffer Publishing) is a beautifully produced volume illustrated with over 250 photographs documenting the final years of Edward Gorey's life on Cape Cod. Originally intended as a companion to the filmed documentary, the book has been released prior to the film's long awaited completion.

During the final decade of his life, Edward Gorey's primary artistic attention shifted from creating books and illustrations to producing his theatrical entertainments on the Cape. It is noted in several interviews that Mr. Gorey's professional colleagues and wider fan base were somewhat baffled by his total involvement in these small, local theatrical productions. However, these endeavors were an important part of his artistic oeuvre. Several interviews with noted artists, authors, colleagues, and friends are included to round out the overall view of Mr. Gorey's legacy.

 

The Theatrical Adventures of Edward Gorey: Rare Drawing, Scripts, and Stories by Carol Verburg (2024 Chronicle Books) meticulously covers Edward Gorey's lifelong involvement in theater. Most of the interviews in Memento Gorey relate to his theatrical works from the 1990's since that is the time period during which Mr. Seufert filmed Mr. Gorey. In many ways, Memento Gorey reads as a prequel or expanded liner notes to Ms. Verburg's book. A reader will have a deeper enjoyment and understanding of Mr. Seufert's book if they delve into The Theatrical Adventures of Edward Gorey first. 

Memento Gorey's major flaw is also its strong point. The interviews are transcripts of the raw footage that was filmed for the documentary. Being unedited, many of the transcripts appear rambling and are often circular, revisiting topics that have already been discussed. There are also needless distractions that will presumably be streamlined in the editing of the final film. This extra random dialogue gives the reader the feeling that they are present at the recording sessions, but slows the narrative that the final documentary should have. The book also lacks the depth that the live footage of plays being rehearsed and performed will add to the dialogue.  

Christopher Seufert's color photographs generously illustrate the book providing the reader with an inside look into Edward Gorey's home and environment, both during his lifetime and after his passing. Elephant House: Or, The Home of Edward Gorey by photographer Kevin McDermott (2004 Pomegranate) also offers a visual tour of Mr. Gorey's home at the time of his passing, and it is interesting to compare and contrast the approach of both photographers as they documented the home side by side. 

 

Chit Chat

 

Strolling through the various pathways on the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust's website is always an enjoyable experience. One of the interesting areas to linger and spend some time is the Oral History area within the Gorey Voices section. Friends and colleagues have recorded reminiscences of their interactions and time spent with Edward Gorey. Settle into a comfy chair with a cup of tea on the next rainy afternoon and enjoy a little chit chat with a friend of Mr. Gorey. The interviews are cozy, casual, and informative. https://edwardgorey.org/pages/trust-gorey-voices

Auction News - Christmas in August

During one of the hottest summers on record, a cooling Christmas breeze wafted from the illustration auction at Heritage Auction House on Wednesday August 5, 2026. The original artwork for a Christmas card design by Edward Gorey was offered at auction, with a final selling price of $7500.00 (with buyer's premium).

This whimsical image was created by Edward Gorey in the 1950's and features an "Earbrass" gentleman stepping up to his stylish motor car with an armload of wrapped Christmas presents. Notable is the gentleman's fur coat and bright red mustache. Edward Gorey created many Christmas themed images over the years both in color and black and white. The ink and watercolor image is approximately 3.5" x 5.25" on a 4.5" x 8.25" sheet.

Happy Independence Day Weekend!

 

 

 

Auction News

On Thursday June 25th Nate Sanders Auctions sold a piece of original illustration art by Edward Gorey from Leaves From A Mislaid Album. Though Leaves was officially published in 1972 by The Gotham Book Mart, Mr. Gorey initially published selected images in First Person magazine in 1960. 

This wonderfully atmospheric image shows a woman swiftly moving towards the top of the stairs in a darkened house. The look on the woman's face is pensive and hesitant as if she has heard a strange noise on the floor below. 

It is interesting to compare and contrast the original artwork with the published image. Light and shadow are emphasized in this captionless drawing creating a gothic drama that the viewer must decipher. The figure is lit with an inner glow on the original, while on the printed card she appears to be less ethereal and blending into the blackness that surrounds her. 

Gorey's pen strokes on the original art convey the wispy textures of the woman's garments in fine detail. In the printed version, the fabrics become less diaphanous and see through. The blackness that surrounds the figure was achieved through pen strokes and ink washes. In the original art, the blackness is visibly three dimensional while on the card it is one tone of black which is effective but not nearly as evocative as the shifting blackness of the art.

To augment his income as a freelance illustrator Edward Gorey occasionally sold original art from the books he illustrated for other authors. Mr. Gorey decided early in his career that he would retain the original drawings from his own publications. This ensured that the original artwork could be used for optimum reproduction if a title was reprinted. Mr. Gorey did eventually sell artwork from two of his primary works including Leaves From A Mislaid Album. Art from this publication rarely comes on the market and when it does, it understandably becomes an event for collectors. This wonderful piece from Edward Gorey's early career sold for $15,115.00 (including the buyer's premium).

Images by Irwin Terry and courtesy Nate Sanders Auctions. 

Auction News

Swann Auction Galleries in New York City held their highly anticipated summer illustration art auction on Thursday June 18th. One of the stars of the proceedings was a whimsical pen, ink & watercolor original piece of art by Edward Gorey.

This delightful image was created by Edward Gorey for PBS Channel 13 in the 1990's. It is unclear if the artwork was ever used as promotional marketing for the station. A donor auction tag on the reverse of the framed piece would suggest that Mr. Gorey made the piece specifically for a fundraising event for the station which was held on March 22, 1999.

Thirteen of Edward Gorey's signature Amphigorey Cats (See my post from Nov 17, 2016. Link HERE) acrobatically cavort on a manicured lawn surrounded by bushes. The cats are waving an immensely large banner emblazoned with the number 13 in Roman numerals. 

As is the nature of Gorey Cats when they play together, this grouping is defying the laws of nature and gravity as they tumble and jumble to create the number 13 with their bodies. Are they holding a split second pose for the viewer before they scatter on the lawn? The knowing grin on each of the cats faces suggests they know exactly what they are up to and will eventually land safely on their paws when they break formation.

 

One unexpected aspect of this group of energetic felines is that they are all wearing close fitting exercise pants, as a team of acrobats would don for a performance. Gorey Cats usually only wear their signature striped sweaters and sometimes flowing striped scarves. This is one of the few times the cats appear fully clothed. No cat is seen from behind, so we must assume that their pants are equipped with a custom "tail fly".

 

The masterful use of color in this piece is subtle, yet distinct and is amongst Edward Gorey's best work. The piece is discretely signed with the artist's initials in the lower right hand corner of the drawing. This amazing piece sold for $21,500.00 (including buyer's premium).

Photos courtesy Swann Auction Galleries and Russell Lehrer

Rick Jones

Rick Jones, longtime friend of Edward Gorey and former director of the Edward Gorey House passed away on March 17, 2026 at the age of 83. His obituary in the Cape Cod Times can be read HERE.

Rick and I became acquainted after Edward Gorey's passing in 2000. Rick was part of the team of friends, family and colleagues that transformed Edward Gorey's home into a permanent museum to honor the artist's legacy. When I began this goreyana collecting blog in 2008, Rick was always helpful with information, ideas, questions, stories, and the occasional correction. Like so many people who knew Mr. Gorey personally, Rick was always quick to relate a story with a smile and a chuckle in his voice.

I met Rick in person on two visits to The Edward Gorey House. Bill Campbell and I first visited the house about a week before the annual House exhibition was to open in 2006. That year, the exhibition explored Edward Gorey's connections with Dracula. In the photo above, Rick had just received the original artwork from Gorey's unfinished/unpublished illustrated edition of the Bram Stoker novel from The Edward Gorey Charitable Trust. 

One of the artifacts that would be on display was a Gorey designed throw pillow from the 1977 Broadway production of Dracula.

Also on display was Edward Gorey's Tony Award for costumes from Dracula. Rick kindly let me gently hold the award. 

Our 2014 excursion to The House again found Rick in fine fettle, happily sharing stories and making every visitor feel welcome.

Rick Jones was a true gentleman and a part of Edward Gorey's legacy. He will be truly missed.