Dubuffet: recent Gouaches and Drawings

Artist: Jean Dubuffet 
Author: David Sylvester 
Publisher: Robert Fraser Gallery 
Date: 1962 
Condition: A rare catalogue now, designed by Gordon House and with artist-designed front and back covers, it is in generally very good condition consistent with its age; the covers show very light handling marks and some light tanning to the edges. A slight crease to the lower right corner of the front cover.

This stylish publication marked the first exhibition held at the Robert Fraser Gallery. Newly established by Fraser at 69 Duke Street and thus a little way away from the traditional Bond Street art dealer territory, Fraser's gallery would become an icon of the new approach of the 60s. Charming and influential, Fraser's ability to make the art scene part of the overall London style scene was legendary and his friendships across all strata of the city's coolest characters placed him at the centre of the gallery world and what we now think of as 'Swinging London'. 

Designed by Gordon House, the styling and typography is very much with the 60s gallery style that was so different from the old-fashioned publications previously seen. House had only recently started working independently as a designer so this is amongst his earliest productions but all the hallmarks are there for his distinctive graphic approach. Dubuffet's cover design of cars is hilarious too!