The Boy Who Lived

In this preparatory sketch by Jim Kay, Harry Potter is shown with his glasses taped up at the bridge and dark hair that just never would lie flat. He looks askance to the side, with a cheeky glint in his eyes, reminiscent of his father's mischievous nature. At this stage no colour has been added to the image, because Kay often digitally layers colour over the original drawing – we cannot see the green colour of Harry's eyes, a reminder of his mother, Lily. Harry Potter's youth and unworldliness at the beginning of the story is captured perfectly in this image, but it also looks like he may be the possessor of a wonderful secret. Kay's sketch invites us to reflect on the development of Harry's character throughout the books, from the wide-eyed child to the brave young man who stands up against Lord Voldemort.

“Jim Kay's portrait brings to life a young boy who seems both innocent and fragile. His large, expressive eyes, however, suggest a depth of character hidden beneath the surface. We get the feeling that there is a lot more about Harry Potter for us to discover...”

Joanna Norledge
Curator

Harry looked up into the fierce, wild, shadowy face and saw that the beetle eyes were crinkled in a smile. ‘Las’ time I saw you, you was only a baby,’ said the giant. ‘Yeh look a lot like yer dad, but yeh’ve got yer mum's eyes.’

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

PORTRAIT OF HARRY POTTER BY JIM KAY

Bloomsbury