The 1981 catalogue Buckminster Fuller, Inventions: Twelve Around One is a gorgeous keepsake from the Carl Solway Gallery in Cinncinnati, Ohio. Their 1981 exhibition of screenprints, derived from Buckminster Fuller drawings, must have been stunning. The catalogue reproduces thirteen screenprints which were produced under the supervision of Fuller. The edition was limited to 60 numbered portfolios which are selling today for $45,000!
A photo of Fuller signing the screenprints appears above. Below you will find the introduction to the catalogue. Look for more from this rare book soon. Many thanks to Brian Horrigan, co-author of Yesterday's Tomorrows, for lending it to me. (I only recently discovered that Mr. Horrigan and I live just blocks from each other, and he was kind enough to lend me some great rare material.)
This catalogue reproduces a portfolio of thirteen screenprints and text by Buckminster Fuller published under the supervision of Buckminster Fuller by Colophon, Cincinnati, Ohio. The edition is limited to 60 numbered portfolios (1-60) and 20 hors commerce (I-XX).
Each of the thirteen prints consists of two 30" by 40" screenprinted sheets, one of which illustrates drawings for a patent invention by Fuller, and the second sheet illustrates the realization of the concept. These two sheets may be presented separately, in two frames; or together, as an overlay, in one frame. This catalogue reproduces both presentation options.
The patent invention drawings are screenprinted in white ink on a clear polyester film. A plain blue backing sheet, provided with each print, may be placed under the clear film patent drawings to create the effect of a blueprint. The accompanying photo realization of each invention is a screenprint on Lenox 100 percent rag paper. The text pages and the blue backing sheets are Curtis Tweedweave 100 percent rag paper made especially for this portfolio.
Each of the thirteen prints in the portfolio is hand signed and numbered by Buckminster Fuller on the clear film element.
See also:
Fuller's Traveling Cartridge (circa 1960s)
The Most Well-Documented Lives in History
Sea City 2000 (1979)
Fuller's career from hindsight doesn't seem to have amounted to much. Geodesic domes (GD's) haven't revolutionized architecture despite Fuller's self-promotion efforts because they just don't work all that well as replacements for conventional shelters. Many of the GD's built in the 1950's and 1960's have even gotten demolished by now. The "ephemeralization" trend Fuller identified also has faltered; we've headed back towards using more matter, not less, to accomplish many of our goals, as the popularity of heavier, less fuel efficient vehicles in recent years shows. I can't think of a product in daily use that derives from one of Fuller's many inventions.
ReplyDeleteAre you nuts! His influences are felt everywhere, in architecture, art, vehicle design.
ReplyDeleteOne only has to look at the magnificent Swiss Re buiding in London to see his thought invoked.