Tom (9) Original Production Cel with Original Production Drawing

Tom & Jerry was the animated series created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera that allowed them to found their own studio. Originally aired in 1940, it has been repeated, rerun, revived, and enjoyed for over 80 years with a new Tom & Jerry Movie released in 2021. It won seven Academy awards during its original run from 1940-1958 and afterwards, it became the highest-grossing animated short film series at that time. Even today, it remains a firm family favourite and continues to air on Boomerang today, making us and children laugh at the hilarious antics between cat and mouse. 

This authentic original production diptych illustrates the meticulous processes of early animation used by Hanna-Barbera studios. The cel or "celluloid" would have been used in the animators' production process after the hand drawing , also featured, was traced by hand onto a sheet of transparent plastic and painted in colour. Then projected onto a separately painted background in front of a camera, each cel - like this one - would be moved by hand according to the animating directors to create a minute yet crucial movement in the final cartoon. 

Now bespoke mounted and framed in black pine and spruce wood, this colourful and dynamic artwork is a rare and exciting opportunity to add a piece of world animating history to your home. You can learn more about this collection on our blog or shop our full portfolio of Hanna-Barbera artworks here.