Collection Summary
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002
Charles Henri Ford Art Collection
1964-1986
Art Collection AR-00336
1 box, 2 Flat Files (34 items)
Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas at Austin
The collection consists of 15 offset lithographs by Charles Henri Ford (American,
1913-2002) from his series, Poem Posters, 18 collages of
juxtaposed images and poetry, and one screen print.
English and
French
Biographical Sketch
For a biographical sketch of Ford, please see the finding aid for Charles Henri Ford Papers
(MS-01435).
Sources
Pawlik, Joanna. "Re-membering Surrealism in Charles Henri Ford's Poem Posters (1964-1965)."
Art History 41, no. 1 (2018): 154-191.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8365.12302. Accessed 10 May 2018.
Rood, Karen L. "Charles Henri Ford (10 February 1913-)." American Poets, 1880-1945: Second
Series, edited by Peter Quartermain, 48, Gale, (1986): 191-210.
Dictionary of Literary Biography 48 (1986). Dictionary of
Literary Biography Complete Online,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/FEYRDK912515051/DLBC?u=txshracd2598&sid=DLBC.
Accessed 10 May 2018.
Smith, Roberta. "ART IN REVIEW; Charles Henri Ford -- 'Printed Matter 1929-1969'."
The New York Times, 25 June 1999.
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of 33 artworks by Charles Henri Ford (American, 1913-2002) that
were created in collaboration with other known artists and individuals, and one screen print.
It is divided into three series: I. Poem Posters, II. Collages, and III. Other Works. Series I consists of 15
offset lithographs that exist in unique or limited edition poster format in combinations of
layered, interchangeable text and images of celebrities, poets, and other literary and
artistic figures of the 1960s. Ford produced these works in close collaboration with his
printer in Athens, Vassily Papachrysanthou.
Poem Posters was
first exhibited in the United States at Cordier and Ekstrom Gallery in New York in May 1965.
Ford created a film of the exhibition opening party which he also entitled Poem Posters (1967). The titles for this series are taken from
checklists for exhibitions of the posters at Ubu Gallery, New York City (Charles Henri Ford:
Printed Matter 1929-1969, May 15-July 2, 1999) and Guillaume Galozzi (Gallery), New York
City (Charles Henri Ford: Poster Poems [1965], October 7-30, 1993), as well as titles from
Joanna Pawlik's article, "Re-membering Surrealism in Charles Henri Ford's Poem Posters
(1964-1965)" (see Sources below for bibliographic information).
Series II. Collages is divided into Subseries A and B. Subseries A contains collages of
clippings by Reepak Shakya, paired with haiku by Ford. Subseries B is comprised of black and
white photographs by Indra Tamang with haiku by Ford. Ford spent much of his time in Nepal
after his first visit in 1972. Some photographs in this series may have been taken in Ford's
home, named The Hermitage, in Kathmandu.
Series III. Other Works consists of one screen print of collaged images of well-known artists and persons, including Andy Warhol, members of Warhol's circle, and Ford himself. This image was used for the front and back covers of Ford's publication of collage poems,
Silver Flower Coo (1968). The source of the print title is a juxapostition of a curator and cataloger supplied title (in brackets) and a lot listing from the collection of Bob Colacello, sold through Paddle8 auction house on June 5, 2014.
Acquisition:
Purchase, 1968, and gift, 2018
Access:
Open for research. Please note that a minimum of 24 hours notice is required to pull Art
Collection materials to the Ransom Center's Reading and Viewing Room. Some materials may be
restricted from viewing. To make an appointment or to reserve Art Collection materials,
please contact the Center's staff at art@hrc.utexas.edu. Researchers must create an online
Research Account and agree to the Materials Use Policy before using archival materials.
Use Policies:
Ransom Center collections may contain material with sensitive or confidential information
that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations. Researchers
are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living
individuals represented in the collections without the consent of those individuals may have
legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may
arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed
highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which the Ransom Center and The University of
Texas at Austin assume no responsibility.
Restrictions on Use:
Authorization for publication is given on behalf of the University of Texas as the owner of
the collection and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder
which must be obtained by the researcher. For more information please see the Ransom
Centers' Open Access and Use Policies.
Index Terms
People
Auden, W. H. (Wystan Hugh),
1907-1973.
Ford, Charles Henri.
Joans, Ted.
Malanga, Gerard.
Mansfield, Jayne, 1933-1967.
Rosenthal, Irving, 1930- .
Shakya, Reepak.
Tamang, Indra.
Warhol, Andy, 1928-1987.
Subjects
Buddhism--Nepal.
Concrete poetry.
Gay artists--United States.
Haiku.
Mythology, Greek.
Portraits--1960-1970.
Portraits--1980-1990.
Places
Nepal.
Document Types
Collages (visual works).
Offset lithography.
Posters.
Preferred Citation
Charles Henri Ford Art Collection (AR-00336). Harry Ransom Center, The University of Texas
at Austin.
Processed by:
Jill Morena, 2018
Related Material
Manuscripts and correspondance by, to, and from Ford can be found in the Daisy Aldan Papers
(MS-00056), Paul Bowles Collection (MS-00479), Charles Henri Ford Papers (MS-01435), Dame
Edith Sitwell Collection (MS-03855), Pavel Tchelitchew Collection (MS-04175), and Parker
Tyler Collection (MS-04300). Photographs of Ford can be found in the Charles Henri Ford
Literary File Photography Collection, Pavel Tchelitchew Literary File Photography Collection
(PH-02809), and Parker Tyler Literary File Photography Collection (PH-02656). One drawing of
Ford by Tchelitchew is present in the Pavel Tchelitchew Art Collection (AR-00270).
Container List
Series I. Poem Posters, 1964-1965
Flat File
68.116.1
Charles Henri Ford as Narcissus [Pink] ,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 100 x 69.5 cm (approximate); 104 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.2
Charles Henri Ford as Narcissus / The Ace of Spades is Me--Ted
Joans ,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 100 x 69.8 cm (approximate); 104 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.3
The Ace of Spades is Me--Ted Joans,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 99.1 x 70 cm (approximate); 100 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.4
Gerard Malanga as Orpheus / Irving Rosenthal as L'Epoux
Abandonné,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 100.1 x 70 cm (approximate); 103.5 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.5
Irving Rosenthal as L'Epoux Abandonné,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 101 x 70 cm (approximate); 104 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.6
El Cordobes as Endymion [Purple/Orange],
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 100 x 70 cm (approximate); 103.5 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.7
El Cordobes as Endymion / Charles Henri Ford as Narcissus,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 101 x 70 cm (approximate); 104.5 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.8
[Fallen Woman]?,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 100.1 x 69.5 cm (approximate); 102 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.9
Jayne as Jayne [Pink],
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 100 x 70 cm (approximate); 104 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.10
Jayne as Jayne [Violet],
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 99 x 70 cm (approximate); 103.5 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.11
Jayne as Jayne [Blue],
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 98.5 x 70 cm (approximate); 103 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.12
Jayne as Jayne / One of the World's Giant Queens,
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 100 x 69.5 cm (approximate); 103.5 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.13
Wystan [W. H. Auden] as Dracula [Pink],
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 70.2 x 99.9 cm (approximate); 103 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.14
Wystan [W. H. Auden] as Dracula [Green],
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 70 x 99 cm (approximate); 103 x 77 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Flat File
68.116.15
Wystan [W. H. Auden] as Dracula [Red],
1964-1965.
Offset lithograph, 70 x 101 cm (approximate); 78.5 x 104.5 cm
(dimensions with affixed wooden dowels).
Series II. Collages, 1986
Subseries A: Charles Henri Ford (American, 1913-2002) and Reepak Shakya
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.1
Live your life as / Given to you or else miss the / Point of being
here,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.2
Looking back just submit / To the spell as with a drug / And there it
is,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.3
Give it form no / Matter how we try we never / Stand fully
revealed,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.4
Barren hills suitable / For trees barren torsoes [sic] / Suit their
ebony,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.5
With a counterfeit / Emotion you may see things / You weren't meant to
see,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.6
Our phases mani-/ Festations of the same / Being we never change,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.7
A wave of treacherous/ History the winner glows / The loser
thinks,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.8
It is importantly / Persuasive what we see is / What we live by,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.9
Forget about patience / Anything's the answer / Impatience impels,
1986.
Felt-tip pens, halftone and electrophotographic prints affixed to graph paper,
38 x 26.5 cm.
Subseries B: Charles Henri Ford (American, 1913-2002) and Indra Tamang
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.10
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. Ephemerality / Of our own
activities / Seldom seem that way,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.11
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. A realisation / Of fantasy
yes this / Little Piece of Child,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.12
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. I'll tell you the secret /
Of the Mongolian look / Mask is unlined,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.13
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. A man's genius / A woman's
looks need / Reassurance from others,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.14
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. If you understand / All
that I say you'll smile then / Hide yourself away,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.15
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. The mask of old age / Is
the only mask left all / Others discarded,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.16
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. They got married / Then
divorced Mr. Need and / Miss Satisfaction,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.17
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. Do I like my face / Would
I not like it better / Were it really mine,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Ford, C.H., Box 1
2018.1.18
Ford, Charles Henri, 1913-2002, and Tamang, Indra. Face of the Orient /
Constantly mobile / Inscrutability,
1986.
Gelatin silver print, felt-tip pens, and electrophotographic print affixed to
graph paper, 38 x 26.5 cm.
Series III. Other Works, 1968
Flat File
68.116.16
Factory Faces [cover design for Silver Flower Coo],
1968.
Screen print, 64.5 x 100 cm.