Description:

Robert Crumb
n.p., June 5, 1981
R. Crumb Letter to Photographer Charles Gatewood: "…REALLY was fascinated by the copy of ‘Local Swingers'…", PSA/DNA Graded GEM MT 10"
ALS
A truly "Crumb-esque" autograph letter signed, with content befitting the quirky mind of the renowned underground cartoonist, one page, 8.5" x 5.5", [n.p.], June 5, 1981. To Charles Gatewood, a photographer of both pop and alternative culture. PSA/DNA encapsulated to overall dimensions of 13" x 9.75" and graded GEM MT 10. Please view images for condition.

Neatly penned in all caps, the letter reads, in part: "…Thanks for sending me the photos and the flattering remarks…I can't use any of the photos, but I did copy some of the stuff out of ‘Side Tripping' and ‘Flashes' for the cover of ‘Weirdo' #3, and I might want to use some of your photos in Weirdo…I dunno…I like your stuff…You picked up where Diane Arbus left off…I'm sending back the stuff…and a copy of Weirdo #2. Mebbe give you some idea of the kind of ‘silly' girlie stuff I'm looking for…I'm goin' ahead and setting my own photo sessions…I even like acting in ‘em…Who ever would've thought…??? Really was fascinated by the copy of ‘Local Swingers' you enclosed…Also the ‘Sprinkle Report' is the sickest thing I've ever seen…What's with that Annie Sprinkle??"

"Weirdo" was a magazine-sized comic anthology created by Robert Crumb (b. 1942), which ran from 1981 to 1993 with a total of 28 issues. For the first three years of the magazine's publication, Crumb himself worked as its sole editor. The "Weirdo" series was an example of underground comics shaped by pulp and punk influences, experimenting with alternative comics formats such as using text-captioned photographs instead of hand-drawn illustrations.

The photography of Charles Gatewood (1942-2016) showcased a range of subjects from rockstars and beatniks to sexual fetishes and body modification, and would have made a fitting addition to Crumb's anthology. Gatewood is best remembered for his portrait of Bob Dylan titled "Dylan With Sunglasses and Cigarette," which was syndicated and received worldwide publication.

Annie Sprinkle (b. 1954), on the other hand, gained worldwide notoriety for her advocacy for sex workers and health care…after a colorful career catering to fetishists whose proclivity is implied by her name!

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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  • Provenance: PSA/DNA slabbed Gem Mt 10, #85099109.
  • Dimensions: 13" x 9.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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October 30, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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