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by John Bendall |
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Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987) |
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A Hand of Bridge (1953) |
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This drawing shows a preliminary design for the first edition copy of Samuel
Barber's opera, 'A Hand of Bridge', published by G. Schirmer in 1961. The extremely
short opera centres on two couples who are playing bridge, with each character in
turn singing a fantasised monologue. Composed by Barber, the text was written by
his lifelong friend, Gian Carlo Menotti and the opera was first performed at the
'Festival of Two Worlds' in Spoleto, Italy, in June 1959. This drawing is typical
of Warhol's commercial illustrations, with his blotted-line technique combined with
vibrant colouring. The calligraphy was almost certainly added by Warhol's mother,
Julia, who regularly assisted with her son's illustrations, adding colour and
calligraphy, and even signing his name. |
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Blotted-Line Technique: Andy Warhol first experimented with this form of
print-making whilst a student and it would later characterise his commercial work
of the 1950s. With two sheets of paper hinged together, a pencil drawing is made on
one sheet which is subsequently traced over with ink. Whilst the ink is still wet
the sheets of paper are pressed together, thus transferring the line. The result is
a broken, yet apparently intuitive, line drawing. |
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My thanks to Jim for bringing this picture to my attention. Credit: ARTIST ROOMS
National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay
Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund
2008. |
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Contact
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Elspeth Fox Email: Pembury Bridge Club Tel: 07813 461371 |