Original Prototype Display “The Impossible Dream” by Janelle McComb – Final Version Gifted to Elvis Presley and Still Resides at Graceland

Janelle McComb lived in Tupelo, Mississippi, where Elvis was born, and was a life-long friend of the Presley family, having known Elvis since he was a mere child. So close was Janelle McComb to the Presleys that she became the longtime director of the Elvis Presley Memorial Foundation and wrote the poems that appear on Elvis’ epitaph and the Eternal Flame. She often wrote poetry for Elvis to give as gifts to his family and poetry for Elvis himself, and even created elaborate photographic artworks that graced the walls at Graceland.

The offered artwork, entitled "The Impossible Dream", was an early version created by Janelle for Elvis. The final version increased the size of Elvis versus the dreaming guitarist in the foreground and is still in the Graceland Archives. Two photographs of Elvis on the day he received the final artwork at Graceland accompany. This prototype is just as detailed and dramatic, if not properly balanced, and written on the back in McComb's hand it reads "The Impossible Dream' Designed by Janelle McComb." There are several different artworks that have surfaced over the years--it seems that after Elvis' passing, Vernon returned most of them to Janelle. This artwork measures 20 x 24 inches and presents with mild toning. Excellent to Mint condition.