Jumpology!

How fantastic are these jumping photos by Philippe Halsman? I love them.

A Life photographer with over 101 cover shots to his name, a regular contributor to LOOK and the Saturday Evening Post, Halsman was often commissioned to shoot the rich, famous and influential people of the 50's. During this time he had the wonderful idea of Jump! - once the official shoots ended he would ask the stars (no matter how famous or important) to jump. The resulting images (above) are brilliant and show the celebs in such a natural, relaxed way.

"Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Salvador Dali, Weegee, Jack Dempsey and even the Duke and Duchess of Windsor agreed to take a leap of faith. In that era of live television along with the popularity of the big glossy magazines, one’s image was not nearly as protected and shaped by handlers as it is today. There was a feeling of innocence, a desire for spontaneity, and Halsman, with his playful and charming personality, knew he had to get almost everyone to oblige his demand: JUMP!"

Halsman called the series, 'Jumpology!' and for the first time they are being exhibited at the Laurence Miller Gallery in New York (exhibition runs until 28 May 2010). For those that can't make it over to NY there was a book of the images (below) published in 1986 which is still available here and here.

Images copyright of the artist, taken from Laurence Miller Gallery.
Via The Photography Post and Notcot.

Going Going Gone Red!

Going Going Gone Red! is a forthcoming exhibition and auction (dates yet to be confirmed) to raise money for London's first Children's Hospice, Richard House.

lllustrators are contributing unique pieces of art, with either a head, body or legs theme, "fabulous, eccentric, one-off, original artwork. A creative collaboration by some of the most renowned and exciting illustrators working today".

The project includes work from some of our favourite illustrators; Pete Fowler (head - above), Agent provocateur (Body - above), Paul Thurlby (legs - above), James Joyce (head - below), Spencer Wilson (Body - below) and Andy Smith (legs - below).



I'll post up as soon as the dates are announced for the exhibition and auction - watch this space!

Images copyright the individual illustrators - taken from Going Going Gone Red!

Howdoos now on Etsy!

Remember our post about howdoos - business cards for everyone + anyone? Well, they're finally packed up and ready to ship.

howdoos are hand letter-pressed business cards with a greeting on the front and 3 blank spaces on the back ready for your personal details.

There are currently 2 designs; 'hello' in hot pink and 'nice to meet you' in black. Both are now available in packs of 10 from our new Etsy store!

Be Kind To Books!

This gorgeous set of 5 Modernist posters were designed by Arlington Gregg circa 1936-40 as part of the WPA Illinois Art Project - Be Kind To Books.

The Works Projects Administration (WPA), previously called the Works Progress Administration were, according to the wisdom that is Wikipedia, "the largest New Deal agency, employing millions to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects. It fed children and redistributed food, clothing, and housing. Almost every community in the United States had a park, bridge or school constructed by the agency, which especially benefited rural and Western populations."

These posters and many more including one of Milton Glaser's iconic 'Dylan' posters and a 1970's Eric Strenger Porsche poster, are due to be auctioned off at New York's, Swann Galleries Auction, May 3rd 2010 (Sale 2213, Modernist Posters). I could spend a serious amount of money at this auction, so it's probably a good job I'm on the other side of the pond!

All images copyright Swann Galleries.