The photographs presented are among the most significant from the photobook London by Gian Butturini. The volume soon became a cult reference in photojournalism, portraying Swinging London from a new, unvarnished perspective. Both photographer and graphic designer, Butturini depicted a city beyond stereotypes, capturing its contradictions through a powerful combination of images, written pages and graphic interventions. His innovative approach led to a tragic misunderstanding that resulted in the withdrawal from circulation of the 2017 reprint (Damiani editore) of the original 1969 book. A double-page image showing a young Black woman selling Underground tickets in a confined booth alongside a caged gorilla was accused of overt racism. In reality—as clearly emerges from the book and the author’s own text—it was intended to provoke indignation at two lives unjustly confined and discriminated against.
- Modern print. Silver salt prints on barium paper Ilford MG FB Classic, with selenium toning
Print run of : 10 | 1969
25 x 37,5 cm | Euro 900
30 x 49 cm | diptych | Euro 1.200
30 x 49 cm | diptych CONTRO IL RAZZISMO E OGNI SEGREGAZIONE | Euro 1.800 - Vintage print.
25 x 37,5 cm | Euro 1.800
WORKS AVAILABLE
Ragazze a Portobello
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Sulle rive del Thames
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Ragazze londinesi
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Anziano homeless
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Speaker’s corner
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Anziana sul metrò
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Elizabeth Arden salon
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Viaggiando in underground
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Earl’s Court
silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 25 x 37,5
Dittico, bancario della City e hippie
two silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 30 x 49
Dittico, donna nera e gorilla. CONTRO IL RAZZISMO E OGNI SEGREGAZIONE
two silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 30 x 49
Dittico, homeless e signora con collectors guide
two silver salt printing
print run of 10, cm 30 x 49