SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS (T.V. SERIES, 1999 - PRESENT) Mr Krabs and Spongebob - Original Production Cel and Background Overlays Setup on Presentation Background

An exceptional original hand-painted production cel setup from SpongeBob SquarePants season one episode titled "Sleepy Time". Featuring SpongeBob and Mr. Krabs adrift at sea, this sequence is among the most memorable dream vignettes in the series, as SpongeBob visits the subconscious worlds of his friends and co-workers.

This extraordinary multi-layered setup comprises hand-painted production cels of SpongeBob and Mr. Krabs, paired with additional cel overlays depicting the waves and sea foam that give the scene its dynamic motion. Behind them, a fine art printed presentation background faithfully recreates the original production backdrop of the night sky, ensuring the composition represents the on-screen image with accuracy and atmosphere.

A standout from one of the show's most imaginative early episodes, "Sleepy Time" epitomises Stephen Hillenburg's surreal humour and creative brilliance, blending gentle absurdity with dreamlike storytelling.

As SpongeBob enters Mr. Krabs' dream, he finds himself caught in a fishing expedition, and soon learns that in this subconscious world, money and the sea are one and the same. "I've got her. . . here she comes!" cries Mr. Krabs, in one of the most quoted and visually distinctive moments of the first season.

Each cel here was meticulously hand-inked and painted on acetate, the characters, boat, rod, sea, and waves, all part of the traditional process used only during the first season before Nickelodeon's move to digital colouring. The result is a luminous depth and texture that can only be achieved through hand-painted animation.

With its combination of major characters, original overlays, and a presentation background recreating the broadcast scene, this is a truly phenomenal production setup. Rare, highly displayable, and instantly recognisable, it captures the heart of Hillenburg's inventive world, one of handcrafted artistry, surreal storytelling, and timeless undersea charm. There is some ink transfer across the cel layers. Dimensions: 61 cm x 28 cm (24" x 11")

Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.

Estimate: £1,200 - 2,400 Ω

View online here: https://propstoreauction.com/lot-details/index/catalog/462/lot/180768/2260-Mr-Krabs-and-Spongebob-Original-Production-Cel-and-Background-Overlays-Setup-on-Presentation-Background-SPONGEBOB-SQUAREPAN