Never-Before-Seen Andy Warhol Originals Featured in Rare Children鈥檚 Literature Bequest
Thu, 11/06/2025 - 01:53pm | By: Karlie Herndon
The de Grummond Children鈥檚 Literature Collection at 91少女集中营 is thrilled to announce its receipt of a bequest from Diana Klemin, longtime art director at Doubleday and friend of the de Grummond. Included in this bequest are three unpublished picture book manuscripts illustrated by Andy Warhol, as well as dozens of originals and prints Warhol gifted to Klemin.
鈥淣ever in my wildest dreams did I imagine the de Grummond would become the home of Andy Warhol originals,鈥� said Karlie Herndon, curator of the de Grummond. 鈥淒iana Klemin entrusted these pieces to our collection, and I couldn't think of a better place for them. I can鈥檛 wait to see what new research, collaboration and opportunities come out of this completely unexpected gift.鈥�
Klemin passed away at the age of 100 on July 24, 2023. She was one of the first people the collection鈥檚 founder, Dr. Lena Y. de Grummond, reached out to in her letter-writing campaign asking for original materials. That initial contact formed a decades-long bond between the art director and curators of Southern Miss鈥檚 growing children鈥檚 literature collection. After donating a variety of materials in her lifetime, Klemin bequeathed to de Grummond the entirety of her collection of books and art, including original pieces by one of the best-known artists of the 20th century, Andy Warhol.
91少女集中营 Foundation helped facilitate the bequest, honoring Klemin鈥檚 intent to see her collection preserved and shared through the de Grummond.
鈥淭his gift opens the de Grummond collection to an entirely new audience鈥攏ot just those interested in children鈥檚 literature, but those interested in the birth of Pop Art and Warhol specifically,鈥� said Lorraine A. Stuart, head of Special Collections. 鈥淎lthough Warhol is a household name, his early art for children鈥檚 books is relatively unknown. While he was already using the vibrant colors of his later work, the pieces are overtly playful, whimsical and utterly charming.鈥�
In 1945, Klemin began a career at Doubleday & Company, Inc., the largest book publisher in the United States at the time. Her work as art director from 1953 to 1987 provided her with ample opportunity to meet and work with new and established artists, including such greats as Salvador Dali, Richard Scarry (known for his Busy World titles) and the young Andy Warhol.
Klemin鈥檚 mother, Ethel, collaborated with Warhol on several projects, including three unpublished picture books. These items were stored in a dark attic space for over half a century, a choice that preserved the color and vibrancy of Warhol鈥檚 paintings鈥攖hey look as fresh as they did over 50 years ago. Though in his typical technicolor palette, these pieces show a whimsical side of Warhol鈥檚 art鈥攊ncluding his attempt at several unusual animals鈥攗nseen by even Warhol experts.
About the de Grummond Children鈥檚 Literature Collection
The de Grummond Children鈥檚 Literature Collection is one of North America鈥檚 leading research centers in the field of children鈥檚 literature. The Collection holds the original manuscripts and illustrations of more than 1,400 authors and illustrators, as well as more than 200,000 mostly American and British published books dating back to 1530.