Longtime PBS fans will undoubtedly remember the “Mystery!” series and its iconic, hand-drawn animated opening. Artist Edward Gorey created the spooky illustrations that opened the show from 1980-2007. His characters still live on in the “MASTERPIECE” intro used for mystery programs since 2008.
But there’s a lot more to Gorey than the “Mystery!” illustrations. His extraordinary range is now on display in an exhibit at Texas A&M.
“Ubiquitous Edward Gorey” is now open at Cushing Memorial Library & Archives through Sept. 17. The free exhibit showcases his 50-year career and features more than 600 items, especially unknown drawings and paintings from Gorey’s youth, first editions of his early primary books and other rare materials.
Gorey’s creativity had no bounds. He designed sets for the 1977 Broadway revival of “Dracula.” He authored and illustrated more than 100 of his own books, and fully illustrated, drew covers, chose typography and designed hundreds of books by authors including T.S. Eliot and H.G. Wells. He also designed costumes and sets for ballets and operas, illustrated magazine stories and articles, and created advertising artwork.
“Rather than a gloomy, brooding hermit, as he has often been described, Gorey appreciated the company of friends and family,” according to collector and co-curator Patrice Miller. “He was a brilliant, talented, fun-loving person who left behind a vast trove of work to study and enjoy.”
This exhibit provides the unique opportunity to view the broadest range of Gorey’s work ever shown in one location, outside of the Edward Gorey House Museum. It’s a perfect outing for the biggest PBS fans in our area.
Cushing is located in the central section of Texas A&M’s campus. Exhibition hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays. Visit the library’s website for more information.
