The Who 'Face Dances' rare 1981 lithographic album cover print 054/300 signed
£
900
$
1,192
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Description
Artist: The Who
Release: Face Dances
Release year: Face Dances was originally released in the UK on 16 March 1981 (Polydor 2302 106 WHOD 5037)
Format: ultra-limited lithographic printing of 300 of the original album front-panel artwork commissioned by Peter Blake on behalf of The Who. This is a stunning album cover and instantly recognisable, and a super rare piece of artwork that will look simply stunning framed!
Background to artwork and design
Michael Andrews – paintings
Brian Aris – photography
Clive Barker – paintings, photography, paintbox bronze on rear cover
Peter Blake – album cover design, concept, paintings
Patrick Caulfield – paintings
Gavin Cochrane – photography
Richard Evans – graphic design and cassette cover design
Richard Hamilton – paintings
David Hockney – paintings
Howard Hodgkin – paintings
David Inshaw – paintings
Bill Jacklin – paintings
Allen Jones – paintings
R. B. Kitaj – paintings
Tom Phillips – paintings
Patrick Procktor – paintings
Colin Self – paintings
Joe Tilson – paintings
David Tindle – paintings
In the order they are presented on the sleeve (left to right, top to bottom), the pictures are painted by:
Pete Townshend: Bill Jacklin, Tom Phillips, Colin Self and Richard Hamilton
Roger Daltrey: Michael Andrews, Allen Jones, David Inshaw and David Hockney
John Entwistle: Clive Barker, R. B. Kitaj, Howard Hodgkin and Patrick Caulfield
Kenney Jones: Peter Blake, Joe Tilson, Patrick Procktor and David Tindle[9]
Rarity value: this is truly a ‘one off’ for the ultimate ‘Who’ fan, and is no.54 of 300, lithographic print depicting the front cover of The Who album 'Face Dances’. What makes this lithograph so special and unique is that it is signed by the full 1981 band line up of Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Kenny Jones of The Who. On top this, various artists who worked on the artwork with Peter Blake have signed including; Peter Blake, Colin Self, Patrick Caulfield, Patrick Procktor, Joe Tilson, David Inshaw, Allen Jones, Howard Hodgkin, and Clive Barker. The signatures appear to be signed in blue fine ink, black ink and pencil.
Dimensions: this listing is unframed and unglazed. The lithograph sizing is approximately 11in x 11in (28cm x 28cm), overall, 15 1/4in x 11 5/8in (38.7cm x 31.5cm).
Signing and lithograph provenance: this was put up for sale on the world-famous Bonham’s auction house in 2021 by the owner Jim Callaghan, who operated within The Who’s ‘inner circle’, and was responsible for the security for The Who's tours from 1975-1983. This print was attended by and gifted to him at the 1981 launch party of the album, and of the signatures were subsequently obtained at this event in person. A redacted copy of the Bonham’s invoice will be provided as proof of sale in 2021.
Condition: the super rare lithographic print is now forty years old, and the soft paper has age patina and moderate yellowing. There is no creasing to the lithograph and all of the four corners are sharp and unworn. Some of the artists have signed their specific painting panel, and most of the autographs are placed in the off-white border to the front panel artwork. I would grade the lithograph at very good plus (+) condition or 8/10, and only really affected by the yellowing and ageing patina of a forty-year-old print. Regarding the signatures, on close inspection, I would say that there has been minor fading, and overall, the signatures are graded as very good condition or 7/10, and will be very visible and impactful if this panel is ultimately framed and glazed.
UK seller in stock for immediate despatch.
International and EU bidders should note that VAT charges may apply at the point of receipt of the destination country.
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