after designs by Peter Sander - 1 Hand-Painted Publicity Animation Cel - The Beatles Cartoon Series (1965–1967) - Paul McCartney in Colour with Three Outline Studies (Netherlands) – Dutch Capitol Theater Provenance
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Selected by Andrew Costolloe
Has 25 years collecting records specialising in multiple rock genres. Toured Europe as musician.
Estimate € 800 - € 1,000
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Hand-painted publicity cel from The Beatles Cartoon Series (1965–1967), featuring Paul McCartney in colour at centre with three outline studies, after designs by Peter Sander, Dutch Capitol Theater provenance, 40.5 × 30.5 cm, in excellent condition.
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Description from the seller
Hand-Painted Part-Coloured Model/Publicity Cel — Paul McCartney in Colour with Three Outline Character Studies
King Features Syndicate | The Beatles Animated Series | Character designs by Peter Sander | Dutch Capitol Theater provenance
A fascinating Beatles animation artwork, presenting one fully coloured cartoon character at the centre of a four-figure composition, while the remaining three musicians are depicted almost entirely in black linework.
The central figure, identifiable as the cartoon interpretation of Paul McCartney, is completed in dark blue, black and flesh tones. The surrounding Beatles remain in outline, revealing their exaggerated facial features, elongated silhouettes, distinctive hairstyles and carefully differentiated poses.
The visual contrast between the completed central character and the uncoloured figures is the defining feature of the work, giving it an unusually direct connection with the drawing and colour-development processes of traditional animation.
The creation of the animated Beatles
The Beatles animated television series was developed by producer Al Brodax for King Features Syndicate and premiered on American television in September 1965.
Its character designs were entrusted to British animator and artist Peter Sander, who developed simplified but recognisable caricatures of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
These designs captured the public personalities associated with each musician and were translated into model sheets to guide the artists working on the programme.
The series was produced through an international network of animation studios, including the Dutch Cinecentrum operation, and consisted of 39 episodes originally produced between 1965 and 1967.
The significance of the partial-colour treatment
The most intriguing feature of the present composition is the relationship between its completed central figure and the surrounding line drawings.
During traditional animation production, model artwork played an essential role in establishing consistent character proportions, facial expressions, clothing and colour arrangements.
Such material could guide the work of animators, inkers and painters, ensuring visual continuity between sequences prepared by different departments or studios.
The present artwork recalls that model-making tradition.
The single fully coloured figure allows the viewer to appreciate the finished appearance of one character, while the remaining outlines reveal the graphic construction of the other members of the group.
Its exact original function — whether as a model study, colour reference or specially prepared publicity composition — has not been conclusively determined. Nevertheless, the arrangement offers a particularly revealing visual interpretation of the Beatles’ animated character designs.
Historical Dutch provenance
The artwork forms part of a group of four Beatles model/publicity cels preserved with Dutch provenance material bearing the ownership stamp:
“EIGENDOM CAPITOL THEATER”
The inscription translates as “Property of Capitol Theater” and is accompanied within the collection documentation by the handwritten identification “Publicity Cel”.
The marking provides an unusual link to Dutch entertainment history, particularly interesting in the wider context of the Netherlands’ contribution to the original Beatles animated television series.
The precise location of the theatre and the circumstances under which the artwork entered its possession remain to be established.
Catalogue details
Subject: The four Beatles, one character fully coloured and three in outline
Associated production: The Beatles Animated Television Series, King Features Syndicate
Original character designer: Peter Sander
Artist executing the individual artwork: Unidentified
Medium: Part-coloured animation cel with linework on transparent material
Distinguishing feature: One completed central character surrounded by three uncoloured figures
Provenance: Dutch private collection with associated Capitol Theater ownership material
Presentation: White mount
An especially compelling piece for collectors interested in the history of traditional animation, combining the enduring appeal of The Beatles with an unusual arrangement that evokes the processes behind the creation of their celebrated animated identities.
Seller's Story
The Vinyl Atelier is run by Lars & Mees, two passionate record collectors from the Netherlands. We carefully source collectible vinyl, with a focus on rare pressings, iconic artists and special editions. Every record is personally inspected, graded and photographed, with honest descriptions and careful packaging. Our goal is simple: offering great records to collectors worldwide with the quality and service we would expect ourselves.
Translated by Google TranslateHand-Painted Part-Coloured Model/Publicity Cel — Paul McCartney in Colour with Three Outline Character Studies
King Features Syndicate | The Beatles Animated Series | Character designs by Peter Sander | Dutch Capitol Theater provenance
A fascinating Beatles animation artwork, presenting one fully coloured cartoon character at the centre of a four-figure composition, while the remaining three musicians are depicted almost entirely in black linework.
The central figure, identifiable as the cartoon interpretation of Paul McCartney, is completed in dark blue, black and flesh tones. The surrounding Beatles remain in outline, revealing their exaggerated facial features, elongated silhouettes, distinctive hairstyles and carefully differentiated poses.
The visual contrast between the completed central character and the uncoloured figures is the defining feature of the work, giving it an unusually direct connection with the drawing and colour-development processes of traditional animation.
The creation of the animated Beatles
The Beatles animated television series was developed by producer Al Brodax for King Features Syndicate and premiered on American television in September 1965.
Its character designs were entrusted to British animator and artist Peter Sander, who developed simplified but recognisable caricatures of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
These designs captured the public personalities associated with each musician and were translated into model sheets to guide the artists working on the programme.
The series was produced through an international network of animation studios, including the Dutch Cinecentrum operation, and consisted of 39 episodes originally produced between 1965 and 1967.
The significance of the partial-colour treatment
The most intriguing feature of the present composition is the relationship between its completed central figure and the surrounding line drawings.
During traditional animation production, model artwork played an essential role in establishing consistent character proportions, facial expressions, clothing and colour arrangements.
Such material could guide the work of animators, inkers and painters, ensuring visual continuity between sequences prepared by different departments or studios.
The present artwork recalls that model-making tradition.
The single fully coloured figure allows the viewer to appreciate the finished appearance of one character, while the remaining outlines reveal the graphic construction of the other members of the group.
Its exact original function — whether as a model study, colour reference or specially prepared publicity composition — has not been conclusively determined. Nevertheless, the arrangement offers a particularly revealing visual interpretation of the Beatles’ animated character designs.
Historical Dutch provenance
The artwork forms part of a group of four Beatles model/publicity cels preserved with Dutch provenance material bearing the ownership stamp:
“EIGENDOM CAPITOL THEATER”
The inscription translates as “Property of Capitol Theater” and is accompanied within the collection documentation by the handwritten identification “Publicity Cel”.
The marking provides an unusual link to Dutch entertainment history, particularly interesting in the wider context of the Netherlands’ contribution to the original Beatles animated television series.
The precise location of the theatre and the circumstances under which the artwork entered its possession remain to be established.
Catalogue details
Subject: The four Beatles, one character fully coloured and three in outline
Associated production: The Beatles Animated Television Series, King Features Syndicate
Original character designer: Peter Sander
Artist executing the individual artwork: Unidentified
Medium: Part-coloured animation cel with linework on transparent material
Distinguishing feature: One completed central character surrounded by three uncoloured figures
Provenance: Dutch private collection with associated Capitol Theater ownership material
Presentation: White mount
An especially compelling piece for collectors interested in the history of traditional animation, combining the enduring appeal of The Beatles with an unusual arrangement that evokes the processes behind the creation of their celebrated animated identities.
Seller's Story
The Vinyl Atelier is run by Lars & Mees, two passionate record collectors from the Netherlands. We carefully source collectible vinyl, with a focus on rare pressings, iconic artists and special editions. Every record is personally inspected, graded and photographed, with honest descriptions and careful packaging. Our goal is simple: offering great records to collectors worldwide with the quality and service we would expect ourselves.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Item
Hand-Painted Publicity Animation Cel
Number of objects
1
Series
The Beatles Cartoon Series (1965–1967)
Condition
Excellent condition
Artist
after designs by Peter Sander
Title of artwork
Paul McCartney in Colour with Three Outline Studies (Netherlands) – Dutch Capitol Theater Provenance
Width
40.5 cm
Height
30.5 cm
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