Harry Potter and the Dursleys

DRAWING OF HARRY POTTER AND THE DURSLEYS BY J.K. ROWLING (1991)

J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter's journey began at four, Privet Drive, the house of Vernon and Petunia Dursley. One morning, the Dursleys woke up to find baby Harry placed on their doorstep. This drawing is a family portrait of Mr and Mrs Dursley, their son Dudley, and Harry. The Dursleys’ sour expressions are in contrast to that of their nephew. Despite the misery he experienced living at Privet Drive, Harry is the only person who seems able to raise a smile. The boy's baggy T-shirt emphasises his frailty in comparison to his sturdier relatives. Dudley Dursley has been drawn with his arms folded in a permanent sulk, and a large piggy nose that makes him appear particularly beastly. Uncle Vernon stands glaring behind, while Aunt Petunia protectively clasps her son's shoulder.

“This early drawing by J.K. Rowling was made several years before The Philosopher's Stone was published. It is an expressive picture that makes it instantly clear that Harry does not belong in the Dursley family.”

Joanna Norledge
Curator