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71.
Jim Dine. London 1966. Drawings, collage collaborations with Eduardo Paolozzi, photographic dreams with Michael Cooper and a ‘Tool Box’ screenprinted by Kelpra Studios 1966.
London: Robert Fraser Gallery, September 13-October 15, 1966. 4to. Exhibition catalogue, bound with a plastic spine clip. 4 pink sheets; 5 white glossy sheets, illustrations (one in colour); 1 buff page with pink lips imprint.
A week after opening the exhibition was raided by police, who seized 21 of Dine’s drawings and watercolours, “some of them”, as a handout from the gallery stated, “showing various parts of the human body”, both male and female (Robert Fraser immediately sent a telegram to the artist, by then back in New York, stating “REGINA VERSUS VAGINA. LOVE ROBERT”).
Exhibition catalogues were also confiscated, and this copy has the word ‘SEIZED’ boldly stamped in pink on the front cover (not seen on most surviving examples).
The fifth issue of International Times reported that the seizure was issued under the 1959 Obscene Publications Act, though Fraser was charged under the Vagrancy Act of 1838, under which the defence is not able to call expert witnesses to establish artistic value. He was subsequently found guilty of staging an indecent exhibition and fined £20, with 50 guineas costs.
It was Fraser’s first brush with the law, and a precursor to the infamous Redlands bust a few months later.
Small piece of tape attached to lower edge of front cover, o/w Very Good plus.