The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at The University of Southern Mississippi is thrilled to announce its receipt of a bequest from Diana Klemin, longtime art director at Doubleday and friend of the de Grummond. Included in this bequest are three unpublished picture book manuscripts illustrated by Andy Warhol, as well as dozens of originals and prints Warhol gifted to Klemin.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the de Grummond would become the home of Andy Warhol originals,” said Karlie Herndon, curator of the de Grummond. “Diana Klemin entrusted these pieces to our collection, and I couldn’t think of a better place for them. I can’t wait to see what new research, collaboration and opportunities come out of this completely unexpected gift.”
Klemin passed away at the age of 100 on July 24, 2023. She was one of the first people the collection’s founder, Dr. Lena Y. de Grummond, reached out to in her letter-writing campaign asking for original materials. That initial contact formed a decades-long bond between the art director and curators of Southern Miss’s growing children’s literature collection. After donating a variety of materials in her lifetime, Klemin bequeathed to de Grummond the entirety of her collection of books and art, including original pieces by one of the best-known artists of the 20th century, Andy Warhol.
The University of Southern Mississippi Foundation helped facilitate the bequest, honoring Klemin’s intent to see her collection preserved and shared through the de Grummond.
“This gift opens the de Grummond collection to an entirely new audience—not just those interested in children’s literature, but those interested in the birth of Pop Art and Warhol specifically,” said Lorraine A. Stuart, head of Special Collections. “Although Warhol is a household name, his early art for children’s books is relatively unknown. While he was already using the vibrant colors of his later work, the pieces are overtly playful, whimsical and utterly charming.”
In 1945, Klemin began a career at Doubleday & Company, Inc., the largest book publisher in the United States at the time. Her work as art director from 1953 to 1987 provided her with ample opportunity to meet and work with new and established artists, including such greats as Salvador Dali, Richard Scarry (known for his Busy World titles) and the young Andy Warhol.
Klemin’s mother, Ethel, collaborated with Warhol on several projects, including three unpublished picture books. These items were stored in a dark attic space for over half a century, a choice that preserved the color and vibrancy of Warhol’s paintings—they look as fresh as they did over 50 years ago. Though in his typical technicolor palette, these pieces show a whimsical side of Warhol’s art—including his attempt at several unusual animals—unseen by even Warhol experts.