The World Fantasy Awards are not only recognized for the literary and artistic excellence they honor but also for the distinctive trophies presented to their winners. Over the years, the physical representation of this prestigious award has undergone a significant transformation, reflecting both the historical context of its inception and a modern re-evaluation of its symbolism. This evolution from a bust of H. P. Lovecraft to a statuette depicting
a tree in front of a full moon tells a compelling story about the award's journey and its place within the speculative fiction community.
The Original "Howard" Statuette
When the World Fantasy Awards were first established in 1975, at the inaugural World Fantasy Convention held in Providence, Rhode Island, the choice of trophy was deeply intertwined with the event's theme. Providence was the home city of horror writer H. P. Lovecraft, and the first convention was themed around "The Lovecraft Circle." Consequently, the original award statuette was a bust of an elongated caricature of Lovecraft, designed by the renowned cartoonist Gahan Wilson. This unique trophy quickly earned the nickname "Howard," a nod to Lovecraft's first name.For over four decades, through the 2015 awards ceremony, this Lovecraft bust served as the iconic symbol of a World Fantasy Award win. It was a tangible link to the genre's roots and a specific, influential figure within horror and fantasy literature. Wilson's design aimed to provide a visible sign of appreciation for writers in fantastic literature, a field he noted was often marked by low financial remuneration and indifference. The "Howard" became instantly recognizable to those within the speculative fiction community, representing a significant achievement in the field.
The Shift to a New Symbol
The long-standing tradition of the Lovecraft bust came to an end after the 2015 awards. While no explicit reason was publicly given for the change at the time, the decision followed a period of increasing controversy surrounding H. P. Lovecraft's documented history of racism. This growing discomfort within the community likely played a role in the decision to retire the long-standing trophy.In April 2017, a new statuette was announced, designed by Vincent Villafranca, to be used for the 2016 awards and all subsequent ceremonies. This new award features a striking image: a tree set against a full moon. The design was intentionally chosen to evoke the rich and pervasive use of trees and night imagery in mythology, fantasy, and horror works. This new symbol offers a more universal and inclusive representation of the fantasy genre, moving away from a specific, controversial figure to embrace broader, archetypal elements that resonate across diverse fantasy narratives.
This transition from the "Howard" to the lunar tree statuette marks a significant moment in the history of the World Fantasy Awards. It reflects an evolving awareness and sensitivity within the speculative fiction community, demonstrating a willingness to adapt and choose symbols that better represent the values and aspirations of the genre today. The new trophy stands as a testament to the enduring power of fantasy, drawing on timeless imagery that continues to inspire and captivate readers and creators alike.
