Trina Schart Hyman papers

The Trina Schart Hyman Papers comprise illustrations, and some texts, for 35 children's books published from 1965 to 1981. The collection also includes 14 greeting cards and 25 fable cards designed by Ms. Hyman, as well as miscellaneous artwork.

The illustrations and texts are grouped by book and arranged alphabetically by book title. For each title, illustrations are in order as they appear in the book and are identified by page, or chapter number and first words of corresponding text. Where the text is unavailable, the illustrations are briefly described. In only a few cases are there materials representing the entire publishing process, from initial dummy sketches to finished book. In most cases the collection does not include the complete set of finished drawings; some books are represented only by one or two drawings. In cases where there are more materials than simply the finished illustrations, the arrangement shows the progression of the book from start to finish. The order used is: 1) notes from publisher; advertising materials, 2) jacket sketch (draft of dust cover), 3) dummy (illustrator's sketches or copies of final illustrations in book format), 4) reproduction proofs or proof sheets of finished illustrations and/or text, 5) dust jacket, 6) finished book, 7) illustrations for book, including jacket, title page and frontispiece illustrations. Ms. Hyman does not make preliminary sketches, but does most of her work on the finished drawing. The illustrations are drawn in pencil and pen and ink, or acrylics and watercolor on the few color illustrations. The drawings are on light board and heavy paper (with "a certain lack of flexibility" distinguishing the two) and on acetate. Notes by Ms. Hyman regarding her work can be found on some of the drawings for The Ghost Next Door (p. 124), The Man Who Loved Books (jacket sketch), The Watchers (map), and Will You Sign Here, John Hancock? (dummy), and on the miscellaneous piece of writing in Box 6, Folder 2. Even the casual observer will note a distinct change in drawing style over time, as Ms. Hyman moves away from stylized illustrations and develops a warmer and more realistic style.

Following the illustrations are the greeting cards and fable cards (both finished products), and the miscellaneous artwork.