Two legends of music and art are brought together in spectacular fashion for a once in a lifetime publication. Brian Wilson and Peter Blake collaborate on stunning new art edition.
The UK launch of the 12 new artworks is at the Paul Smith Mayfair store on 18th November 2009.
Exhibition runs from 19th November – 28th November 2009
That Lucky Old Sun is a book and print publication, inspired by the latest critically-acclaimed album by Brian Wilson. As Brian’s band prepares to tour the States, Sir Peter Blake unveils a series of new artworks created in consultation with Brian over the past year. Each of the artworks illustrates a different song and the complete collection – a tribute to Brian Wilson’s life and career – is published as 12 original silk screen prints (16×12 inch size).
A cloth-bound book is presented by both authors. Sweeping new interviews with Brian Wilson introduce the volume and an insight into Peter’s creative process follows. Brian’s handwritten music and lyric sheets to his new track ‘Midnight’s Another Day’ are reproduced in facsimile, and are suitable for framing; an original VIP pass from the live performance of That Lucky Old Sun is also included; a CD pressing of the album completes the set. The entire set is contained in a handmade case bound in Italian blue cloth.
As an edition of only 1,000, each signed and numbered book and print box set is a creative point of note in the career of each artist.
The UK launch of the book will be at the Paul Smith shop in Albemarle Street, Mayfair. Sir Paul Smith is a huge fan of music and popular culture and an exhibition of 12 of Sir Peter Blake’s unique artwork for the book will be on show for 10 days in November, there will also be a preview of the art work at Paul Smith’s Terminal 5 store. Paul Smith was delighted to display these stunning pieces in his shop, saying: “Bringing together Peter Blake and Brian Wilson in this project is very special. Peter’s amazing work over the years has always been fantastic and by mixing this with such a musical hero results in this fantastic book and prints.”
From concert to canvas:
Sir Peter Blake based each of his new works on a different song from Brian Wilson’s album, That Lucky Old Sun. A celebration of Brian’s life and a moving tribute to Southern California, Peter explains, ‘It’s about capturing the mood of Southern California and the mood of LA in the Fifties and Sixties. It’s Brian’s California.’ His prints make use of an array of postcards, newspaper clippings and other ephemera – ‘That Lucky Old Sun is a collage of sound which I’m very happy to make visual’
When talking about music, Brian Wilson is quick to mention the Beatles. ‘I have the Sgt. Pepper’s album in my music room’ he writes in the new edition of That Lucky Old Sun. Sir Peter Blake’s cover for that particular Beatles album is recognised the world over. Almost as well known is Peter’s affection for the music of Brian Wilson whose group he first celebrated in 1964 in the oil painting simply entitled, Beach Boys. These artists mutual admiration of each other’s work has happily resulted in their working together on this project to create a fascinating crossover between art and music and an emotional tribute to the power of music to transport and delight.
Genesis Publications
Genesis Publications is an independent British publisher specialising in signed, numbered, craftsman-bound limited edition books on modern music. Each title is produced to the highest standard in the tradition of the private press and with the full co-operation of each author or artist concerned, and their autographs signify their approval and authentication of each edition.
Genesis was founded in 1974 by Brian Roylance, a former student at the London College of Printing; his aim to create a company true to the art of printing and craftsmanship. For this reason Genesis books are printed and hand-bound in Italy by top artisans. Brian’s son and daughter, Nicholas and Catherine Roylance now run the company.
Genesis Publications has become the world’s leading limited edition publisher in the field of modern music, in the last 30 years producing over 50 limited edition collectors’ items, featuring pop and rock icons of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Subjects have included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Bowie, Lennon, George Harrison, Dylan and Pink Floyd founder, Syd Barrett. Authors and/or contributors include: George Harrison, Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton, Peter Blake, David Bowie, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Ravi Shankar, Ronnie Wood, Pete Townshend and Sir George Martin. Working with many of the world’s leading musicians, artists and writers, Genesis has established a reputation for quality which is second to none, and it was this that led The Beatles to invite Genesis to compile, edit and prepare for press their book The Beatles Anthology which was published to acclaim in October 2000.
Contacts
For further information / Use of pictures / Interviews
Idea Generation: +44(0)20 7749 6850
Ellen Harrison: ellen@ideageneration.co.uk
Natalie Tacq: natalie@ideageneration.co.uk
Genesis Publications website
