Set of four Travilla sketches circa 1962 with black and white 8" x 10" photographs taken by the designer during his first trip to Africa in 1961 with his business/life partner Bill Sarris. All photographs are of members of the Samburu tribe of north-central Kenya. Each photograph inspired the look of the pencil sketches boldly signed on three of the four pieces. Each measure 15" x 20"—illustration board. Two have water damage, one with several inches and the other two inches from the bottom edge. Corners rounded with wear. One sketch has the name and address of Travilla's West Hollywood business written in the designer's hand. One photograph served as inspiration for a painting later done by Travilla.

It's interesting to see where Travilla drew his inspiration for each sketch. The designer's love of the Continent started when his maternal grandmother returned from a six-month trip, bringing hundreds of photographs and miles of film. She toured Los Angeles, taking eleven-year-old Billy with her to help, speaking and showing her movies at churches to raise money for charity work. Travilla later worked for Warner Brothers, Twentieth Century Fox and as a freelance designer. His work includes eight Marilyn Monroe films, Valley of the Dolls, Dallas and The Thorn Birds. He worked on over 250 films and television episodes, winning two Emmys and an Academy Award.