Addams Family Values, Archive of Production Designs

original production artwork

Comprising approximately 215 sheets of original architectural designs on tracing paper; 48 black-and-white xerographic copies with hand-drawn additions in pencil and marker; 57 black-and-white xerographic copies of designs, cartoons, font ideas, and inspirations; and 7 color xerographic copies of various pieces of set furniture in color detail. Director Barry Sonnenfeld, after the success of The Addams Family in 1991, took on the challenging task of producing this sequel, which focuses on a love interest for Uncle Fester (Christopher Lloyd) named Debbie (Joan Cusack) who also happens to be a serial killer intent on getting Fester's inheritance. The detailed designs in this lot indicate that no expense was spared for the film. Production designer Ken Adam and set decorator Marvin March supervised these meticulous designs which include, among other things, details of Uncle Fester's chair, bed, and fireplace, Lurch's organ, Pubert's baby cradle, and other more specific items such as columns, cornices, and candelabra. Also included are several xerographic copies of The Addams Family comic strip by creator Charles Addams which served as inspiration for the designers.

Provenance: the estate of Charles W. Breen (assistant art director of Addams Family Values)