Family of late Westport man who sketched 'Nancy Drew' looks to solve mystery surrounding artwork

The family of William S. Gillies, who drew Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, is on a mission to solve a mystery of their own.

News 12 Staff

Sep 23, 2020, 5:25 PM

Updated 1,539 days ago

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A former Westport woman is channeling her inner "Nancy Drew" and looking to solve the mystery behind two portraits created by her grandfather.
The family of William S. Gillies, who drew Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, is on a mission to solve a mystery of their own.
The family says following his passing, they went to his home and found two original oil sketches of two girls. Gillies' son and granddaughter say they are determined to connect the art with their subjects, looking for any clues that will lead them to the right women.
The family says one girl was painted in 1960 and the other in 1961.
Gillies' son says during those years, his family lived in Westport.
Gillies was known for his cover art and worked on several children's mysteries like the Hardy Boys and the Nancy Drew series.
His son says he used his mother as the model for Nancy Drew and he and his brother for the Hardy Boys.
Gillies died back in 2000 at 88, and his son says that he was still working on a portrait when he passed away.
Gillies family says he brought art into their lives forever and now they are hoping to do the same for two special women.