Description
An exclusive limited edition photograph by Photojournalist Arthur Steel.
Anthony Paul Fawcett is a British writer, art critic, and a former personal assistant to John Lennon and Yoko Ono from 1968 until 1970.
Published Text: In The Kingdom of The Ant [Published 26/03/1973]
‘If you’re a millionaire pop idol, he’s your friend. Photographer Arthur Steel and I had been granted admission to The Kingdom of The Ant, an ex-public-school boy and Oxford fine arts graduate. He’s a wildly eccentric creature, real name Anthony Fawcett, a minor genius and a master manipulator. He is immensely likeable, and has a computer-like memory, a profound knowledge of art and, a well-schooled nose for fine wines. These skills have brought him distinction as a professional companion of pop stars. His services are highly specialised – and staggeringly expensive.
The Ant began his career in 1968, when he joined John Lennon at Apple, the Beatles’ company, as art adviser. He was soon promoted to personal assistant to Lennon.
After some Tea, The Ant is pictured sipping Champagne from a chalice, whilst his left hand slips into his partners jeans.
The bear skin is part of the rather bizarre furnishings of the magnificent Chelsea flat the Ant had rented as a hideout for David Cassidy. David preferred his hotel. The Ant had worked brilliantly for Cassidy on the pop star’s first European tour. He provided the over-protected young man with a first-hand look at life. And he made David laugh. The people around Cassidy did not laugh. As spectacular bills for vintage wine began to pour in, they wept tears of rage.
After our interview The Ant shook our hands warmly, I counted my fingers, and instructed Arthur to count his cameras. The Ant shrieked with laughter, and kissed his girlfriend, who had just found some champagne. Outside, in the sunlight, I stared at Arthur, and he stared back. Neither of us was entirely sure if any of it had really happened.’ – Words by Bob Hart.
✓ Exceptionally rare limited edition photograph.
✓ Direct from the Artist.
✓ Non licensable images.
✓ Printed by Metro Imaging.
✓ Hand signed by Arthur Steel.
✓ Video of Arthur Steel signing your print(s).
✓ Certificate of Authenticity.
✓ Free worldwide delivery.
✓ Tracked & signed for delivery.
✓ Paypal Pro protection.
✓ Secure SSL payment protection.
✓ 14 day money back guarantee.
✓ Excellent customer care and service.
Black & White Film Grain:
Arthur’s photographs were all captured on 35mm film, a fast medium grain film called ‘Kodak Tri-x Pan’ with an ISO speed of 400. It enabled photojournalists at the time to shoot in relatively low light conditions. Nowadays, we are used to grainless images even at an iso of 800 and above. The grain effect adds to the character and charm of the images and dates the pieces accordingly. Arthur’s images cannot to be compared to todays grainless digital technology.
Signed prints Vs. Unsigned prints:
Most artists sign their prints at the bottom right corner of the piece. By signing a print, the artist approves it, and, claims it as his or her own work. Signatures count for a lot on the print market since they add to the artwork’s authenticity. The value of a signed print is higher than the value of an unsigned print, so if you have a choice, it’s always better to acquire signed prints.
Limited editions Vs. Open editions:
As a rule limited edition prints are valued more highly and therefore are priced higher than the readily available open edition prints. Also, limited edition prints are collectible, which is not the case for open edition prints. Due to their scarcity, limited edition prints are prized, and collectors and art lovers will seek to create a collection of the same.
Image unearthed: October 2022.
Camera: Leica 35mm.
Film stock: Kodak Tri-X Pan.
Location: Chelsea, London.
Year: 1973.
Collection: Platinum.
Print Type: Fibre-based Harman Galerie FB Digital.
Printed by: Metro Imaging.
Limited Editions:
All prints are limited editions, no further prints are produced once sold.
60″ prints / edition of 5
50″ prints / edition of 10
40″ prints / edition of 20
30″ prints / edition of 30
20″ prints / edition of 30
12″ prints / edition of 30
Bespoke: All prints are bespoke and printed to order.
Presentation: 12 and 20 inch prints are titled, numbered, signed and carefully enfolded in acid free tissue paper, supplied flat in an acid free 4mm 3-ply box for delivery and storage purposes. The boxes are ideal for gift wrapping. The larger 30, 40, 50 and 60 inch prints are also titled, numbered, signed and carefully enfolded in acid free tissue paper and inserted into a rigid 4mm thick protective cardboard tube for delivery.
Optional Dry Mounting for clients within the UK: Professional Dry Mounting of the larger print sizes can be arranged at no extra cost, the print would then be perfectly flat and ready for framing. However, this makes the overall size bulky and too fragile to send overseas. So, if you reside abroad, it is best that we send a rolled print directly to your chosen framer and you entrust them to carry out the works for you. We recommend that you check that your framer is fully insured as we cannot take responsibility for any damages that may occur during the mounting/framing process.
Delivery: Metro Imaging based in Central London use an experienced shipping service to deliver the boxed and rolled prints. Metro take great care in ensuring the print(s) are very well protected and efficiently delivered anywhere in the UK or overseas. Acid free tissue paper protects prints from scratching/creasing. Metro also offer a vast array of delivery options to suit the recipient’s preference.
Certificate of Authenticity: Each print acquired from The Arthur Steel Archive is accompanied by an individually signed Certificate of Authenticity.
Video of Authenticity: Newly printed bespoke prints are further authenticated by way of a short personalised video. Arthur Steel mentions your name on the recording prior to signing. For example, Arthur will say something like: “I’m signing this print of ‘The Ant’, edition number 2/20 for Mr. Smith in New York.” For your records, the footage is then sent to you via email.
Watermark: Watermarks will not be present on an original print.
Copyright: © Arthur Steel / The Arthur Steel Archive.
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