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MAURICE BECK (1886-1960) & PETER MORGAN (DATES UNKNOWN)
177
●
NOW UNTIL NEXT MAY / WINTER SHELL. 1936.
29
1
/
4
x44
1
/
4
inches, 74
1
/
4
x112
1
/
2
cm.
Condition B+ / A-: minor overpainting at edges and over tape marks in top corners; minor creases, abrasions
and restoration at edges. Framed.
Maurice Beck, who studied experimental photography in Germany, adapted the art to British advertising.
His photomontages, often with a Surrealist influence, are always surprising. His most famous designs were
for Orient Line Cruises (see Swann Sale 1897, Lot 69). Here, evoking the coldness of winter, he composes
an unexpected still life of hot water bottles and bed warmers in which the avant-garde meets the everyday,
set against a two-color background, split down the middle. Combining the cutting-edge and the
commonplace, the typography is strict and efficient and the message is clearly delivered. He has even
added a layer of snow to the top of the word “Shell” to reinforce the winter theme.
[1,500/2,000]