Brian Bysouth made his name designing for James Bond franchise and Hollywood blockbusters including Raiders of the Lost Ark. Now one of the most successful British film poster designers ever is selling 75 lots of his original artwork and signed posters at Ewbank’s on July 8th.
Brian Bysouth, who worked on designs for the James Bond franchise and Hollywood blockbusters including Raiders of the Lost Ark, Prizzi’s Honor, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, The Emerald Forest, The Bounty and Highlander, and also created artwork to promote video releases for hit TV series such as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: The Next Generation, is now aged 86 and retired in 2002, but still paints occasionally.
The London-born artist completed his National Service after attending Willesden School Of Art on a scholarship. Back in civvy street, he decided to make his living as a commercial artist and joined the Downton’s agency. There he designed his first poster, for the film Tiger Bay (1959), starring John Mills, before going on to work on the James Bond Franchise, including the first two films Dr No (1962) and From Russia With Love (1962).
Legend
Bysouth’s involvement with Bond was to continue for decades, including as a freelancer from the 1970s. Films sporting Bysouth artwork include For Your Eyes Only (1981) and The Living Daylights (1987) – the last Bond poster he worked on was for The World Is Not Enough (1999).
Non-film work included designing adverts for the launch of Capital Radio, a brewery and even food manufacturer Quaker.
“Brian Bysouth is a legend among his fellow artists, as well as film fans. Much of his work is iconic, highly decorative and perfect for any collector’s wall,” said Ewbank’s Head of Entertainment Memorabilia, Alastair McCrea. “To be able to offer original artwork as well is very exciting.”
Top lot of the Ewbank’s auction is expected to be the original painted artwork for the science fiction comedy horror film Class of Nuke ’Em High (1986), a 57 x 82cm signed gouache on board showing school kids next to a nuclear reactor. Sold with a letter of authenticity, it is expected to fetch £2,000-4,000.
The sale features an extensive array of film posters from other sources, including classic designs from the Carry On movies.
Live online bidding via www.ewbankauctions.so.uk
Images courtesy of Ewbank’s
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