Poeme-Pancarte / Paradis. Pierre Albert-Birot. Published by Wild Hawthorn Press, 1964

Paradis is a concrete poem by Pierre Albert-Birot, reinterpreted and published by Ian Hamilton Finlay through his Wild Hawthorn Press. Printed as a simple green and blue silkscreen on thin paper, it presents the word “Paradis” as if it were a roadside sign, marking a distance of 1.5 km between “here” and “there.” The piece turns language into a physical object—something you could almost encounter in a landscape.

This print comes from a number of pieces of ephemera once belonging to Bill Butler (1934-1977); poet, publisher, distributor and founder of the Unicorn Bookshop. I will be listing the other items individually under the Category ‘Bill Butler Collection’.

Medium: Green and blue print on thin wove paper

Signature: Unsigned

Condition: Reasonable /used condition, with signs of age wear. There is age toning, creasing throughout, vertical and horizontal central folds, other light staining marks, two rust marks to the top margins from paper clips. Also drawing pin holes to the corners, with some paper loss to the corners, small tears to the margins and other surface marks / blemishes / soiling / graphite smudges.  Age condition consistent throughout. I would personally get the paper applied to a thin sheet of japan paper so it sits flat and display framed in aged condition.

Framing: Unframed

Paper size: 57.2cm x 44.2cm.

The paper will be rolled in brown packing paper posted in a strong tube with metal caps.