THESIGNATURESESSIONS

It is probably safe to state that no artist in the history of comic books has written his signature as often as Carl Barks. And yet it was only in the latter part of his life that he was asked for signatures on his work as well as regular autographs. Considering his growing popularity among both old and new fans it is not surprising that his signature on a piece of work is one of the most treasured mementos of the great man and its value is even today increasing swiftly.
The signature events can roughly be divided into two main groups: 1. The often chaotic signing of fans' books and magazines during travels and comic cons, and 2.The organized signing of official books, serigraphs, and lithographs, for which Barks would usually take 7-9 dollars each - This page presents you to examples from both groups.

FANS

San Diego, California, USA - 1982				San Diego, California, USA - 1982

Grants Pass, Oregon, USA - 1993				Copenhagen, Denmark - 1994

Copenhagen, Denmark - 1994				Helsinki, Finland - 1994

During the last 30 years of his life Barks was a celebrity who, in popularity, could arguably compete with many actors, pop stars, and sports figures. And his distinct autograph soon became a 'must have' for many of his dedicated fans. With the introduction of lithographs of his duck paintings his worshippers got a golden chance to acquire the master's signature. Here are a number of photos depicting Barks autographing books and magazines, and the Internet carries even more. If you are interested in attending a 'live' session the Internet is also the place to go. One example from Sweden in 1994 can be savoured HERE.

LITHOGRAPHS

Barks, in his home, signing two stacks of lithographs: The coloured version of 'Nude with a Hat' (1939) and 42-78 The Caliph of Baghdad.

SERIGRAPHS

Barks' serigraphs from the 1990s were commissioned by The Walt Disney Company, and this small chronological suite of photographs from his home show Barks' signature session for the second serigraph 141-1994 Rich Finds at Inventory Time. The serigraphs consist of three editions as illustrated; the Regular edition (500 pieces), the Remarque edition (100 pieces) (see more HERE), and the Deluxe edition (50 pieces). The latter was printed on black pigmented (Chat Noir) paper with hand-torn edges!
Barks' work with the painting and the ensuing events turned out to be his greatest goose egg money-wise. Not only did the painting fetch 200,000 dollars (sold directly to a collector), but Disney, signing fees, and forthcoming royalties added quite handsomely as well.

BONUS

It was The Walt Disney Company that bought the serigraph rights for 141-1994 Rich Finds at Inventory Time. The price was 75,000 dollars. After Barks' signings Disney made sure that the excess copies were properly destroyed. To that end they furnished Barks with photographs proving the destruction.
The head of Disney Art Editions stated in the letter that included both check and photos: Although it hurt us to have to do this, you will see from the enclosed photos that we have destroyed them.

EXTRA

There are more ways than one to preserve one's signature for prosperity. Here is a suite of photographs depicting one session where Barks used hand signs(!). The images were taken at the Vintage Animation Gallery, Santa Monica, California, on December 6, 1993. See other examples HERE and HERE (middle sections).