Description:

Jack Kerouac
[Los Angeles, CA], n.d. but ca. 1968
Jack Kerouac Gifted (14) CalArts "Portfolio for Tomorrow" Lithographs With Excellent Provenance! Ex-Kerouac Estate
Archive

A very interesting lot of original college student artists' lithographs gifted to and personally owned by Beatnik writer Jack Kerouac (1922-1969). Ca. 1968. [Los Angeles, California.] The lot of 14 lithographs makes up the "Portfolio For Tomorrow" collection of original artwork produced by students from the Chouinard Art School at the California Institute of the Arts. All printed by the Jeffries Banknote Company of Color Lithographers, Printers, and Engravers (Los Angeles, California) on various mounts (Champion Kromekote, Dull Enamel, Superfine Book, Strathmore Fiesta Text, Simpson-Lee Vicksburg Vellum Text, etc.) Accompanied by an original cover letter stamped with the Jack Kerouac Estate stamp and the raised blind seal from the Executor of the Estate, John Sampas, Kerouac's brother-in-law. Expected wear including scattered wrinkles, edge wear, or toning; please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition, which is overall very good. The average size of the lithographs is 11.75" x 15.75"; two lithographs are larger, but are folded to a more compact size.

The lot consists of:

1. A 1p typed letter signed by Robert W. Corrigan (1927-1993), first President of the California Institute of the Arts, as "Robert W. Corrigan" at lower left. N.d., but ca. 1968. [Los Angeles, California.] Typed on watermarked "California Institute of the Arts" letterhead. Stamped with the Jack Kerouac Estate stamp and the raised blind estate seal along the bottom edge. Isolated scattered foxing, else near fine. 8.5" x 11."

CalArts president Robert W. Corrigan sent this letter to Jack Kerouac via the latter's literary agent Sterling Lord in New York City. Its content suggests that Kerouac had previously donated money to the California Institute of the Arts - a private visual and performing arts school in southern California incorporated in 1961. The "Portfolio For Tomorrow" included faculty-selected artwork produced by the school's most promising future commercial artists in the fields of advertising, illustration, and fashion.

Corrigan's letter reads in part:

"Dear Mr. Kerouac,

We are pleased to send you the enclosed 'Portfolio For Tomorrow' as an example of the quality of student work at California Institute of the Arts…

We anticipate your continuing interest in our programs and wish to express thanks to you for encouraging the education of young artists…"

(14) CalArts student-designed lithographs by students from the CalArts Chouinard Art School including Jim Crowell; John Ellis; Walter Harrington; Richard Kjarsgaard; Gary Krueger; Peter C. Moore; Kay Myregard; Bob Scifo; Eric Thompson; Betsy Van Duren, and others.

- "Portfolio For Tomorrow" cover, isolated scuffs and weathering especially to the right and bottom edges, 11.75" x 15.75"

- Trademark designs lithograph on heavy glossy stock, 11.75" x 15.75"

- "O Is For Owl" 4-color lithograph, 15.75" x 11.75"

- 4-color lithograph of recumbent figures on a sailboat, 11.75" x 15.75"

- 4-color lithograph of "U.S. Mail" depot, 15.75" x 11.75"

- 4-color lithograph of "Western Growers Association" book jacket, 11.75" x 15.75"

- 4-color lithograph of mousetrap advertisement, 11.75" x 15.75"

- "the british are coming" 2-color lithograph, 15.75" x 11.75"

- Angel's Flight tramway lithograph, horizontal crease at center, isolated loss and chips to the left edge, with small hole, unfolded measures 15.75" x 23.5"

- 4-color lithograph of musicians, 15.75" x 11.75"

- Product packaging project on heavy glossy stock with perforated popout lines, single vertical fold, unfolded measures 21.5" x 15.75"

- "Los Angeles Outdoor Art Exhibit, Barnsdall Park, July 16-26," 4-color lithograph, 15.75" x 11.75"

- 4-color lithograph of restaurant counter, 11.75" x 15.75"

- Fashion illustration, 4-color lithograph, loss to the bottom edge, 11.75" x 15.75"

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This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: average size: 11.75" x 15.75"
  • Medium: Archive

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