HERGÉ and the inauguration of the TINTIN statue in Brussels. 1976.

Georges Remi, known as HERGÉ

Letter signed to Michel Salesse-Lavergne

One octavo page on Hergé Studios letterhead.

[Brussels] October 7, 1976.

Hergé has just unveiled the Tintin statue in Brussels.

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"Dear friend, I received your note asking for a photo of the unveiling of the Tintin statue. Unfortunately, I cannot provide you with any interesting material, as I myself possess nothing other than the photo of the bust that you mentioned seeing in the 30th anniversary special issue of the Journal. With my apologies and best regards, Hergé. PS If I should receive a good photo of the statue soon, I will send it to you. "

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In 1975, Raymond Leblanc (Les Éditions du Lombard) and Guy Dessicy (Publiart) decided to surprise Hergé for the 30th anniversary of Tintin magazine. For the occasion, they commissioned sculptor Nat Neujean to create a life-size statue of Tintin and Snowy. The artwork was installed in Wolvendael Park in Uccle (Brussels) and unveiled on September 29, 1976, in the presence of Nat Neujean, Raymond Devos, and Hergé. The sculpture is now housed at the Uccle Cultural Centre.

A newspaper clipping depicting Hergé, smiling, at his work table is pasted to the back of the letter.