Francesco Clemente — The Pondicherry Pastels: Pastels 1980, Signed Artist’s Book with 85 Plates, No. 477/1000 (1986)

CLEMENTE, FRANCESCO.
The Pondicherry Pastels: Pastels 1980.
London: Anthony d’Offay Gallery, 1986.

Ambitious handmade artist’s book reproducing, at their original size, the series of 85 pastels created by Francesco Clemente in Pondicherry during the spring of 1980.

The 85 color plates are individually tipped onto multicolored handmade papers produced by the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry. The endpapers and interior pages were designed by influential Italian architect and designer Ettore Sottsass. Hand-printed and bound in India at the Kalakshetra Press under the direction of C. T. Nachiappan.

Large folio in the publisher’s distinctive binding of green cloth over embossed copper-colored metal boards. One of 1,000 numbered copies, signed in pencil by Francesco Clemente; this is copy 477.

Accompanied by the publisher’s typed notice explaining the book’s handmade production and noting that minor variations and imperfections are inherent to its manufacture. Each copy was personally signed and approved by Clemente.

An important early Clemente publication bringing together his engagement with Indian materials, spiritual traditions, and artisanal bookmaking. Examples are held by institutions including the National Gallery of Victoria.

Edition: First edition, no. 477 of 1,000 copies.
Signature: Signed by Francesco Clemente.
Illustrations: 85 tipped-in color reproductions on handmade Indian paper.
Design: Endpapers and interior pages by Ettore Sottsass.
Binding: Green cloth and embossed copper-colored metal boards.
Condition: Rubbing to the binding and several overopened gutters; contents remain complete and generally well preserved. Publisher’s typed notice soiled.