Catalogue One – March 2008

The following drawings and sketches represent the final offering from a Zos ’scrapbook’ compiled by a friend of Spare, the collector Ernest Chapman. The material dates from 1953-1955 and includes a series of pencil drawings in the sabbatic theme that include images of metamorphosis and pan-sexual tension now familiar to admirers of the artist.

Spare often worked at great speed when delineating ideas in this way and these sketches reflect the fluid dynamism necessary for semi-automatic work. Spare has signed, dated and titled the majority of these sketches, which is quite rare. This perhaps indicates he intended these as illustrative material for the Logomachy and other manuscript work he was developing with Kenneth Grant at this time. One sketch is even inscribed ‘To illustrate Aphorism 41.’

Material of this quality is becoming increasing scarce in this quantity as the primary source collections become naturally dispersed. Items are thus sold on a first come, first served basis. All enquiries should be directed via our website form, clearly stating the item number in the subject field. Postage and packing is a flat rate of £10 per item for European buyers. Items will be packed and dispatched by a secure method with basic insurance up to £250.00 Additional insurance cover is optional and should be requested. Buyers from outside Europe, and those succcessful in securing multiple items can request a tailored shipping quote.

ITEM 1

The Resurrectionists: “Witches recalling their dead”
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand
Signed in ink, lower left ‘AOS 54′
250mm x 210mm approx.

Slightly creased lower left corner, remains of Scotch tape along upper edge, partly affecting title. Small ink stain to centre of image, no doubt due to a distraction involving a Woodbine!

£650.00 SOLD

ITEM 2

Conversational Piece: among Nymphs and Daimons
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in ink, lower left ‘AOS 54′
225mm x 155mm approx.

£480.00 SOLD

ITEM 3

Amalgation of Ego’s
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in ink, lower right ‘AOS 54′
250mm x 210mm approx.

Some slight discoloration

£580.00 SOLD

ITEM 4

Acrobatic Simulations
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in ink, lower left ‘AOS 54′
250mm x 210mm approx.

A fabulous piece of Zosiana. Ever the pragmatist, Spare’s constantly recycled his notepaper from WWII and the reverse of this drawing has the heading ‘Austin Spare’s School of Draughtmanship (Military and Civil Camouflage)

Slightly creased on lower left edge

£580.00 SOLD

ITEM 5

Untitled [Sabbatic Scene]
Pencil on paper
Signed in ink, lower right ‘AOS 54′
225mm x 155mm approx.

Under a crescent moon, the satyr here is either fornicating with a bat, or towelling himself dry after a hot sabbat. Whatever Spare intended, the audience are clearly enthralled!

Very slightly creased on lower right corner

£520.00 SOLD

ITEM 6

Ego to Ego: Communication via Sacred Alphabet
Pencil and ink on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red and blue ink
Signed in pencil, lower left ‘AOS 54′
160mm x 240mm approx.

£520.00 SOLD

ITEM 7

Tiresome attitude of a constant virgin
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in pencil, lower left ‘AOS 53′
160mm x 220mm approx.

Nostaglia seldom comes more poignant than the memory of unrequited lust! Here Spare limns repressed sexual tension and the societal convention that stands upon it.

Very, very slightly creased on lower right corner

£580.00 RESERVED

ITEM 8

Satisfaction takes over many abstract forms by abjuration
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in ink, lower right ‘AOS 53′
260mm x 205mm approx.

Very slight surface soiling to upper right corner through offsetting in album

£580.00 SOLD

ITEM 9

Untitled [See item 14]
Pencil on paper
Signed in ink, lower right ‘54 AOS’
225mm x 155mm approx.

Small dark smudge to upper edge, probably Spare’s fingerprint!

£520.00 SOLD

ITEM 10

Hell has no vengence as the body denied
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in ink, lower right ‘54 AOS’
260mm x 210mm approx.

Very slight crease to lower right corner

£550.00 SOLD

ITEM 11

“A good time was had by all”
Pencil on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in ink, lower left ‘AOS 54′
160mm x 245mm approx.

Slight crease to lower right corner

£520.00 SOLD

ITEM 12

Moon-wrack
Pencil and select ink on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in ink, lower right ‘54 AOS’
210mm x 235mm approx.

Slight crease to lower right corner

£620.00 SOLD

The following four items are carbon copies of the original drawings, three signed by Spare in his hand, two titled similarly. As a consequence, these are priced significantly less than original drawings, but given there are only likely to be 2-3 carbon copies, they are still scarce.

ITEM 13

The Magic Circle
Carbon copy on paper with some additions in pencil, titled
Signed in ink, lower left ‘AOS 54′
160mm x 250mm approx.

£220.00 SOLD

ITEM 14

Non plus: Satiation, Satyros & Satisfaction
Carbon copy on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in pencil, lower left ‘AOS 54′
225mm x 160mm approx.

This is a titled carbon copy of Item 9

Slight crease to lower right corner

£200.00 SOLD

ITEM 15

Sabbath
Carbon copy on paper, titled in Spare’s hand on lower edge with red ink
Signed in pencil, lower centre‘AOS 54′
160mm x 240mm approx.

£200.00 SOLD

ITEM 16

Untitled
Carbon copy on paper, mounted on black paper
Signed in pencil ‘AOS’
160mm x 230mm approx.

£200.00 SOLD

ITEM 17

Untitled [Still-life]
Pencil on green paper
Signed lower right ‘AOS 53′
270mm x 140mm approx.

£150.00 RESERVED

ITEM 18

Still-life
Ink, crayon and pastel on green paper, titled lower edge and dated on right ‘1954′
Unsigned
270mm x 240mm approx.

Slight band of discoloration across image due to off-setting in album.

£470.00 SOLD

ITEM 19

Still-life
Pastel on green paper, titled on lower edge in red ink
Signed and dated in lower right corner ‘AOS 54′
270mm x 370mm approx.

Zos just couldn’t resist giving an innocent jug of flowers a ssserpentine twist. The largest image offered here.

£620.00 SOLD

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