BELLMER, Hans (1902-1975). Archive consisting of 11 autograph letters signed ("Hans Bellmer"), to Alexander Iolas of Hugo Gallery, New York City, 25 September 1950 - 31 October 1952 – 2 autograph manuscripts signed (in body), n.p., n.d. – 3 autograph documents signed and one manuscript document signed, 26 June 1950 - 26 July 1951. [With:] An exhibition program for Bellmer's show at Hugo Gallery in New York City, n.d.

21 pages, various sizes.

Bellmer’s letters to Hugo Gallery in New York planning his first solo show in America. The correspondence is to one of the great promoters of surrealism in America, Alexander Iolas (1907-1987), the Director of Hugo Gallery from 1944 to 1955—addressed by Bellmer as "cher ami". Bellmer takes great interest in small details—the quality and size of photographic reproductions of his work, the printing of exhibition catalogues and brochures, and associated expenses. In his early letters, Bellmer invites Iolas to return to his Paris studio to view examples of his work; Iolas had recently purchased a large painting and several drawings. Bellmer is also anxious to have Iolas send him photographs of his purchases, as he would like to include them in his first major monograph, Hans Bellmer: Vingt-cinq reproductions, 1934-1950, which appeared in December 1950. By January 1951 Iolas has proposed a solo exhibition at Hugo Gallery devoted to the artist’s work, and Bellmer begins offering suggestions for exhibition: drawings, gouaches, and large color photos of his poupées (doll sculptures), the dolls themselves being too difficult to transport. Summer and fall 1952 has Bellmer overseeing the printing of the Hugo Gallery brochure in Paris (included here), which featured a translation into English of a short essay by Joë Bousquet; a transcription in Bellmer’s hand is also included. The correspondence provides great insight into the mind of a controversial artist carefully managing his image and reputation. See M. Semff & A. Spira, Hans Bellmer, pp. 248, 274; S. Taylor, Hans Bellmer: The Anatomy of Anxiety, p. 205.