Merchandise
being developed on Jim Henson's early works
"Jim
Henson Designs" to be licensed through 4kids Entertainment
Courtesy
of The Jim Henson Company
June
20, 2006
Jim
Henson's legacy is undeniable. His creations for television and
film continue to dazzle and inspire the imaginations of both the
young and old each day around the globe. Now, thanks to a new partnership
between 4Kids
Entertainment, Inc. and The Jim Henson Company, people will
be able to see what inspired this exceptional artist and view the
world from his unique perspective.
4Kids
and The Jim Henson Company are joining creative forces to launch
Jim Henson Designs - a highly-artistic and innovative merchandise
collection inspired by the rarely-seen works of the legendary puppeteer
and filmmaker. For the first time ever, fans and newcomers alike
have an opportunity to get to know and love Henson's earlier and
most precious art creations through a comprehensive licensing program
that exposes the more intimate and personal side of Henson's genius.
Henson began
his career in graphic design and his lesser known works, often drawn
on a variety of mediums from sketchpads to restaurant placemats
to festival programs, consist of thousands of drawings (creatures
of all shapes and sizes are ubiquitous in his sketchpads), landscapes
(trees and farms were a favorite), and patterns (mazes full of goblins
and monsters foreshadow his later fantasy projects).
In keeping with
the integrity of these lesser-known pieces of art (currently housed
in Henson's New York archives), Jim Henson Designs will imbue each
product with the ideals and spirit of Jim Henson the Artist. The
initial focus of the licensing program will be on creating captivating
lines of apparel, accessories, and housewares to showcase these
rarely-seen creations while carefully maintaining the creativity,
joy and irreverence that have become synonymous with the Henson
name.
"Jim Henson
and his decades-worth of creations have been one of the most impactful
and memorable forces in entertainment; he is a legend," said
Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. "But
what most fans don't know is that before we all fell in love with
his life's work, Jim Henson was endlessly exploring new ideas --
sketching and drawing his thoughts for puppets, films, and television
shows, to name just a few. His original artwork lends itself perfectly
to an extraordinary collection of merchandise that is sure to be
embraced by both kids and adults. In launching Jim Henson Designs,
4Kids and the Jim Henson company plan to reveal to the world these
rare works of art and help further inspire the imagination and sense
of wonder of generations to come."
Added
Lisa Henson, co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company, "My father enjoyed
celebrating life and with this positive energy and optimistic view,
he tried to find joy in everything he did - adding a healthy dose
of irreverence along the way. These earliest sketches reveal the
very roots of his inspiration and, by working with 4Kids, we hope
to introduce others to Jim Henson's 'mindstyle' - a way of seeing
the world with wonder, laughter and infinite possibilities."
MORE
HENSON NEWS
• Jerry
Nelson tribute at The Moving Image Museum October 27
• Jim
Henson's Pajanimals debuts on NBC Kids Saturday July 7
• The
New York Pops play The Muppets at Carnegie Hall April 14
• Henson
announces "Sid the Science Kid: The Movie" in 3-D
• The Jim Henson Company Puppets to perform at the 2011 Grammys
• "Pioneers of Television" special
to honor Jim Henson
• Classic "Henson's Place" special
arrives on DVD August 3
• Frank
Oz unveils tribute to the "Henson Pipes" at NBC Studios
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