Edward Gorey 1992 “Blithering Christmas” Button

<p><strong>Edward Gorey 1992 “Blithering Christmas” Vintage Promotional Pinback Button.</strong></p>

<p>An authentic, vintage promotional button designed by the legendary artist, author, and playwright Edward Gorey. Measuring 54mm (approximately 2.12 inches) in diameter, this original pin features Gorey’s distinct, dark-humored line work depicting an enigmatic reptilian creature, a mechanical robot-like figure, and a young girl dressed in a pleated skirt, underneath the curved hand-drawn title lettering.</p>

<h3>History of the Button</h3>
<p>This button was custom-designed by Edward Gorey specifically to promote his 1992 theatrical production, <em>Blithering Christmas</em>. Known for his intense love of the performing arts, Gorey regularly wrote, directed, and designed puppets and sets for miniature entertainment revues on Cape Cod during the later decades of his life. These large 54mm buttons were produced in highly limited numbers and sold exclusively at the performance venues and through Gotham Book Mart in New York City. Unlike common estate replicas and later smaller badges, this authentic 1992 release features a plain, bright metal reverse without any manufacturer stamps or maker’s marks. (Scarce). [loc:gorey_case]</p>

<h3>A Brief Biography of Edward Gorey</h3>
<p>Edward St. John Gorey (1925–2000) was a prolific American illustrator, writer, and designer noted for his macabre, Victorian-inspired pen-and-ink drawings. Often mistakenly thought to be British due to his dry humor, love of formal language, and stark Edwardian settings, Gorey spent most of his life in New York and Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He authored and illustrated over 100 celebrated books—including <em>The Gashlycrumb Tinies</em>, <em>The Doubtful Guest</em>, and <em>The Amphigorey</em> anthologies—while also earning a Tony Award for his costume designs for the 1977 Broadway production of <em>Dracula</em>. His eccentric artistic vision remains a cornerstone influence on modern gothic illustration, literature, and independent theater.</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Year of Issue:</strong> 1992</li>
<li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 54 mm / 2.12 in. diameter</li>
<li><strong>Condition:</strong> Fine / Very Fine (Bright, lustrous metal backing with no rusting or discoloration; crisp, sharp text and artwork on the front face)</li>
<li><strong>Manufacturer Marks:</strong> None (Blank reverse as originally issued)</li>
</ul>

$ 75.00