Friday Find: Billy Al Bengston and Ed Ruscha

Progress on our rare book cataloging project is slow but steady. Tucked in among some 19th century American

The catalog is bound in sand paper and screws. Title is pink flocking.

landscape titles was this exhibition catalog of Billy Al Bengston’s exhibition at LACMA in 1968. The catalog itself is a work of art. Designed by Ed Ruscha it is what we call today an artist’s book. The exhibition itself was designed by Frank Gehry. This was a powerhouse! Produced in a run of 2500 the catalogs are bound in sandpaper (100 grit on the front board and 50 for the back) and button head screws bind the work. It begs to be touched!

For a first hand account of the landmark exhibition check out this interview with Bengston and Gehry.

New Focus Exhibit Now on View

Though it was hard to say goodbye the the gorgeous photography of the travel albums exhibit we are happy to announce the next library and archives focus exhibit. Through a Director’s Eyes: The collection of Robert “Mac” Doty is on view now through March 20,
2015 in the lower level library corridor.  The exhibit presents a small selection of the material presented to the Museum by the Doty family. Doty’s papers are open to researchers and include correspondence, original works of art including three serigraphs by Richard Anuskiewicz, a print by Neil Welliver, photographs and research files.

Doty committed himself to developing the photography collection at the Currier. He was instrumental in facilitating acquisitions from notable artists such as Lotte Jacobi and Paul Strand and along with his papers the library received over 1500 books from his personal library.  Two early volumes by the photographer Alvin Langdon Coburn are on view along with two snapshots of Doty taken by Coburn.

The personal papers of Mr. Doty complement the Director’s Records produced during his tenure. All material is open for research. To learn  more about Doty’s Director’s Records check out the finding aid.

The exhibit is open even when the library is closed so make your way downstairs and check it out!

Last Chance for travel photography exhibit

By this time next week the beautiful albums in our exhibit A Naval Officer’s Albums: Travel Photogrophay in the 19th-Century will be back in storage.  Be sure to check them out before Monday and of course come back to see our next installation; highlights from the collection of former Currier Museum of Art Director Robert “Mac” Doty.  The exhibit will focus on his insightful and visionary work in developing the fine art photography collection here at the Currier. The installation will include a few objects from the permanent collection with connections to Doty, either acquired under his leadership or donated to the colleciton by the artist in his honor.