Inside the Hanna-Barbera archives: unique original drawings
Relive some of the greatest moments in cartoon history with our exclusive series of rare original production drawings from the Hanna-Barbera studio. Expertly curated from one of America’s most prestigious animation art archives, this collectible selection boasts best-loved characters like Fred Flintstone, Scooby-Doo and Tom Cat in a range of iconic scenes and poses.
Drawn in pencil on paper, the one-off artworks were created at the legendary animation studio, where world-class pencillers, inkers and cartoonists revolutionised American television for over four decades. Each piece is hand-signed by a famed animator like Bob Singer, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, whose unique vision led their studio to seven Academy Awards and eight Emmy Awards. Art lovers and cartoon fans alike will appreciate the intricacies of these unique artworks, which have been lovingly preserved and framed in a sustainable pine and spruce. Several of these works are also accompanied by an original production cel.
To find out more about the collection, get in touch.
Fred and Barney (2) Original Production Cel on Original Background with Original Production Drawing
Hanna-Barbera
What is an original production drawing?
These unique pencil drawings reveal not only the characters, but the concepts behind them. As the first step in their final creation, original production drawings were traced onto the animation cel to form the black outline before it was filled with colour and photographed.
Described as the 'building blocks of animation', they were used by both the Hanna-Barbera and Walt Disney studios to plan the look and movement of the character. Each drawing was meticulously refined until the animator was satisfied with the details, degree of motion and overall look, which is reflected in the authentic handwritten notes and faint markings on many of the pieces.
As very few film and television programmes now use this process, original production animation art is becoming increasingly rare and revered in the art world. In 2016, Bonhams - one of the world's oldest and most prestigious fine art auctioneers - held Drawn to Film, its first animation-exclusive event in a decade. The genre is also displayed in institutions such as the Norman Rockwell Museum.
Featured art: 'Scooby (1) OPC w/OPD', £2,500
"That's what keeps me going: dreaming, inventing, then hoping and dreaming some more in order to keep dreaming."Joseph Barbera
Featured Artist
From the blog
Rare animation art from the Hanna-Barbera studio
09/12/2020
This nostalgic release includes hand-signed, limited edition cels featuring characters like Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, Yogi Bear and Top Cat from “the birthplace of TV animation”.
Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear and more! More from Hanna-Barbera
27/05/2021
In the second release from our popular Hanna-Barbera collection, we're unmasking the Creeper with Scooby-Doo and the gang, and chasing the American Dream in Manhattan with Jerry Mouse!
Original Art From Unforgettable Disney Movies
08/12/2022
Join us on magical journey with a special selection of Disney Vintage art, including cels and model sheets from films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Cinderella.Speak to a consultant
Our dedicated team of art consultants is on hand to offer you tailored advice.
Sign up to our newsletter
Join our mailing list for exclusive discounts, the latest art news, artist updates and more.
Find the nearest gallery
Enter a location to find your closest Castle Fine Art gallery.
Speak to a consultant
Our dedicated team of art consultants is on hand to offer you tailored advice.
Speak to a consultantSign up to our newsletter
Find the nearest gallery
Enter a location to find your closest Castle Fine Art gallery.