New York-based Society of Illustrators is hosting a new exhibition of art inspired by the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, opening 15th May, running until 27th July 2024.
The Art and Story of Edgar Rice Burroughs: Selections from the Vinson Family Collection celebrates the literary contributions of Edgar Rice Burroughs and their lasting impact on popular culture. Retold and reimagined throughout the last century, Burroughs’ serialised stories for the series Barsoom, Tarzan, Pellucidar, Caspak, and Mucker, along with various independent stories from the jungle adventure, science fiction, western, and historical genres, made him one of the most recognised voices in American literature.
by Richard Clifton-Dey (1973); Pirates of Venus by Fortunino Matania (1933) and The Warlord of Mars by Allen St. John (1919)
Each new generation of reader was visually introduced to Burroughs’ stories through the accompanying illustration – a crucial element in their mass appeal.
The original artwork to be displayed in the upcoming exhibition at the Society of Illustrators reflects the progression of Burroughs’ illustration over time, recognizing the incredible artists who brought his stories to life.
Artists to be featured in the exhibition include Frank Schoonover, J. Allen St. John, Hal Foster, Frank Frazetta and Michael Whelan, among others.
Selections on display from the Vinson Family Collection will also include vintage film posters, comic art, books, pulps, and memorabilia.
An Opening Reception will take place on 16th May from 5.00pm – 9.00pm. It’s free to attend – more details here.
Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875 – 1950) was one of the most prolific and influential American authors of the 20th century. His literary debut, an adventure story featuring the character John Carter on the distant planet of Mars (“Barsoom”), appeared as serialised stories in the pulp-fiction magazine The All-Story beginning in 1912, and gained him widespread readership among American youth.
Having spent most of his early life working low wage jobs as a ranch hand, miner, railroader, and pencil-sharpener salesman, Burroughs was an unexpected literary icon. His stories resonated with readers and his audience grew rapidly and exponentially.
Within nine months of the Barsoom Series’ first appearance in The All-Story, Burroughs had completed two additional novels, including Tarzan of the Apes, which instantly became a cultural sensation. Burroughs moved swiftly to capitalise on a budding literary enterprise and against the advice of his literary agents, the character of Tarzan began appearing in films, comic strips, and merchandise.
The Vinson Collection is a multi-generational, family collection comprised of artwork, literature, and memorabilia celebrating the masterful storytelling of Edgar Rice Burroughs. It is the most thorough compilation of Burroughs’ literature and illustration, outside of the Edgar Rice Burroughs’ estate.
Founded in 1901, the Society of Illustrators is the oldest nonprofit organisation dedicated to the art of illustration in America.
The Society of Illustrators’ mission is to promote the art of illustration, to appreciate its history and evolving nature through exhibitions, lectures and education, and to contribute the service of its members to the welfare of the community at large.
• The Art and Story of Edgar Rice Burroughs: Selections from the Vinson Family Collection 15th May – 27th July 2024 Society of Illustrators 128 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065 United States | Full exhibition details | Purchase tickets to the Museum
The exhibit is on display in the Main Floor Gallery
With thanks to Darci
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John is the founder of downthetubes, launched in 1998. He is a comics and magazine editor, writer, and Press Officer for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He also runs Crucible Comic Press.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine and Overkill for Marvel UK, Babylon 5 Magazine, Star Trek Magazine, and its successor, Star Trek Explorer, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics; and has edited several comic collections and graphic novels, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”, and Hancock: The Lad Himself, by Stephen Walsh and Keith Page.
He’s the writer of comics such as Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs”, with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Art and Illustration, Comics, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions, Other Worlds, US Comics
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