Lot 470: Alfred Edmeades Bestall (1892-1986)

Alfred Edmeades Bestall (1892-1986)
'Cheerio! from Rupert'
signed and dated 'A.E.Bestall/30.7.'57' (lower right) and inscribed 'Cheerio!/from/Rupert' (centre left)
pen and black ink, unframed
4 x 4¾ in. (10.2 x 12.1 cm.)

A.E. Bestall

This sketch of Rupert Bear was given to the vendor by Alfred Bestall when he was 10 years old. The vendor and his sister were staying with family friends in Beddgelert, Wales, when they met Bestall. Bestall's diary entry for 30 July 1957 records meeting the pair for tea, and the following day records that he 'Called at Noddfa to return autograph albums, only Mrs Horton there.' This charming drawing was done on a page of one of these autograph albums.