Jan Pieńkowski — Haunted House — First UK Edition, 1979, Inscribed by the Artist

PIEŃKOWSKI, Jan.
Haunted House.
London: William Heinemann, 1979. First UK edition. Quarto. Illustrated throughout with movable and pop-up elements. Original pictorial boards. Inscribed by Jan Pieńkowski on the copyright page: “For the Shimmers [?] with love, Jan Pieńkowski”

Description

A particularly appealing first UK edition of Jan Pieńkowski’s celebrated Haunted House, published by William Heinemann in 1979, and made especially desirable by a contemporary presentation inscription from Pieńkowski himself.

Haunted House is one of Pieńkowski’s best-known and most inventive books, combining his instantly recognisable graphic style with a sequence of elaborate pop-ups, flaps and mechanical surprises. Presented as a tour through a sinister but playful house, the book transforms domestic spaces into a succession of comic-gothic encounters populated by monsters, ghosts and other unexpected inhabitants.

Pieńkowski was one of the most distinctive British illustrators and book designers of the post-war period. His work is characterised by bold silhouettes, saturated colour, decorative pattern and an exceptional ability to combine visual economy with theatrical effect. In Haunted House, these qualities are extended into paper engineering: the illustrations do not merely accompany the text but physically animate the narrative as doors open, creatures emerge and rooms transform.

The original pictorial boards are themselves an integral part of the design, with the front fashioned as the entrance to the haunted house, complete with a hand-written-style invitation to “Let yourself in”, while the rear presents the same building boarded up and secured. The wraparound visual concept continues the immersive quality of the interior pop-ups.

This copy is particularly notable for the inscription by Jan Pieńkowski, written on the copyright page and reading:

“For the Shimmers [?] with love, Jan Pienkowski.”

The exact surname of the recipients is slightly difficult to decipher, but the inscription is clearly in Pieńkowski’s hand.

First editions of Haunted House in strong condition are increasingly sought after, particularly where the often-fragile pop-up mechanisms remain complete and functional. Signed or inscribed examples are considerably more desirable.

Condition

Near fine. The original pictorial boards are generally bright and clean, with only very minor marks, rubbing and light creasing. The spine is slightly faded. The binding is tight and firm. Internally, the pages are very nice and clean throughout.

The pop-up and movable elements are in very nice condition, remaining well preserved and presenting attractively.

Inscribed by Jan Pieńkowski to the copyright page. A near fine, bright and clean copy.

Bibliographical Details

Author / Illustrator: Jan Pieńkowski
Title: Haunted House
Publisher: William Heinemann
Place of Publication: London
Date: 1979
Edition: First UK edition
Format: Quarto
Illustration: Illustrated throughout with pop-up and movable elements
Binding: Original pictorial boards
Inscription: “For the Shimmers [?] with love, Jan Pieńkowski” to the copyright page
Condition: Near fine

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