18 - ‘The Secret of the Unicorn’ (1943) || Radio Tintin

Sketches of Sir Francis from Herge’s notebook.

Philippe Goddin, and Michael Farr. The Art of Hergé : Inventor of Tintin. Volume 2, 1937-1949. Editions Moulinsart, 2011.

Illustration announcing The New Adventures of Tintin and Snowy published in Le Soir on June 8 1942.

Inscription by Herge unknown.

Philippe Goddin, and Michael Farr. The Art of Hergé : Inventor of Tintin. Volume 2, 1937-1949. Editions Moulinsart, 2011.

“Do like me!

Build The Unicorn model yourself.

Plans and materials on sale here.”

Herge-illustrated advertisement for Unicorn model kit sold by Gerard Liger-Belair, c. 1943.

https://tintinomania.com/tintin-gerard-ligier-belair

Jacques Van Melkebeke cameos at the bottom of page 2 of the album.

Van Melkebeke was a friend and collaborator of Herge, with whom he worked extensively with during their time together at Le Soir.

The original model of the Unicorn crafted by Gerard Liger-Belair at Herge’s request.

By the time the model was completed, Herge had already implemented the ship into his drafts, explaining some of the minor differences between the real model and those in The Secret of the Unicorn.

This original was sold at auction in 2017 for € 32 000.

https://mostexpensivethingz.com/original-model-secret-unicorn-ship-sale-ordered-herge/