Arcana:

Langsner, Jules. Preface by Lawrence Alloway. London & Washington, DC: Institute of Contemporary Art, London & United States Information Service, 1960. First Edition. 8vo. Stapled Printed Wrappers. Exhibition Catalog. Very Good - .. np (8pp), 4 b&w illustrations. With an exhibition checklist. This is the slender eight page brochure cum catalogue published in conjunction with the significant 1960 Institute of Contemporary Art, London exhibition of three abstract paintings each by Karl Benjamin, Lorser Feitelson, Frederick Hammersley, and John McLaughlin - the "Four Abstract Classicists" featured in the ground-breaking 1959 San Francisco Museum of Art and Los Angeles County Museum of Art exhibition of the same name. Sponsored by the United States Information Service, this contains a preface by Lawrence Alloway, essay by Jules Langsner, and reproductions of one work by each of the participants. A most presentable example of this exceedingly uncommon ephemeral item that was the only printed documentation of the event showing some light wear, creasing, and soiling. We have additionally included a copy of the similarly titled and formatted ten page catalogue issued in conjunction with San Francisco's Modernism Gallery's prescient 1993 homage to the original 1960 ICA London exhibition. Inventory Number: 025661