London – Since it was first published in October 2019, Charlie Mackesy's The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has taken the world by storm, warming the hearts of millions. Now celebrating the fifth anniversary of the book's publication, Bonhams presents, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: Original Works by Charlie Mackesy. Consisting of a selection of original works consigned by the artist and author himself, the sale includes drawings featuring the artist's much-loved characters, as well as some new friends who might find their way into future published works by Mackesy.

The online auction will run on bonhams.com from 2-12 December with an exhibition at Bonhams Knightsbridge from 8-12 December.

Mary Gatenby, Bonhams Associate Specialist for Modern British and Irish Art and Head of Sale, commented: "Charlie Mackesy is an inspiration to many, sharing a simple message of kindness and hope through his work. The drawings that we are offering in this online sale provide an inside-look into the artist's creative process, and our team has had the privilege of being welcomed into Mackesy's studio to watch him create some of the charming works offered in the sale."

British artist, illustrator and author Charlie Mackesy began his career as a cartoonist for The Spectator, before becoming a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. His award-winning work has been exhibited widely and featured in books, private collections, galleries, school classrooms, hospital wards, prisons, and public spaces around the world. His internationally bestselling book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, was published in October 2019 and has become the longest running Sunday Times Non-Fiction Number One of all time. A number one New York Times best-seller, the book has been translated into over 55 different languages. In 2023, the short-animated film adaption of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film, the Academy Award for Best Animated Short film and five Annie Awards including Best Special Production. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story was published in November 2023 to accompany the animated short film.

In a video announcing the sale at Bonhams, Mackesy shows his artistic process, as he is captured painting two highlights of the sale live: The blue sky above and Everyone is winging it.

Additional highlights of the sale include:

• The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, chalk and charcoal on paper. Estimate: £3,000-5,000

• What is the biggest waste of time? Ink and watercolour on paper. Estimate: £3,000-5,000

• We love you all the more, ink and watercolour on paper. Estimate: £3,000-5,000

20 November 2024