ARK

The Journal of the Royal College of Art.

[#20184]
Nos. 1-54: cplt set, all published. London, Oct. 1950 - 1978. Original pictorial wrappers, obl. folio, later 4to.; numerous illustrations. Added: Index to volumes 1-48. Set overall in very good condition, with all illustrated colourful wrappers. The important numbers all in excellent condition: No. 10 (Len Deighton) No. 24 (Fontana), 25 (Brigitte Bardot cover and 3-page foldout), 26 and 31 (both in metallic wrappers), No 40 (embossed cover by Graham Percy). The set includes no. 51 in larger format (tatty at spine) and the rare December 1976 "blank cover" issue
Ed. by Jack Stafford, John E.Blake, Roger Coleman, o.a.; journal of avant-garde design and the fine arts, published three times per year by students of the Royal College of Art. ARK attracted international attention for its often bold and fast-changing design as well as the extraordinary cast of writers and artists who contributed to its pages, including Ralph Rumney, Lucio Fontana, Alison and Peter Smithson, Toni del Renzio and Reyner Banham, in addition to College students and staff.). Some numbers with lithos in colour; important for the current trends in avant-garde of the fifties and sixties of the postmodern and pop-art generation. Number 24 (has the original wrap around banderolle intact, laid in) is on the spatial Technical manifesto by Fontana and has a green cover after a design by Fontana (with handcrafted spatial holes). This issue (which contains The Technical Manifesto with commentary by Lawrance Alloway and several photographs in 4 pages) in excellent condition with only light soiling and a small stain in the right upper corner (Note: there also exists a variant of the cover in orange with the same design; we offer the green cover only). Nos. 26 & 31 have metallic covers (silver & gold, both excellent condition). Essays and other contributions by Henry Moore, Gordon Russell, Hugh Casson, Robert Leman,David Hockney a.o. ; spine of no 20 slightly damaged and front wrapper a bit frayed; No. 25 slight soilage and faint fold in front wrapper. Number 10 incl. Ark Supplement "Dove" no. 1; added few inserts related to Ark.

More images: