Ford, Charles Henri; Ginsberg, Allen; Orlovsky, Peter; Plymell, Charles & Pamela Beach; Tamang, Indra

Original Invitation to 2006 Art Exhibit, with Three Original 1996 Photographs

Norman, OK: The University of Oklahoma, 1996, 2006. First (Only) Printings. Folded card, developed photographs. A most wonderful package of artifacts with several very important Beat & literary associations: Consisting of an envelope postmarked October 19, 2006 mailed by Indra Tamang, photographer & long-time associate of Charles Henri Ford, to Charles Plymell & his wife Pamela Beach Plymell, friends of CHF & publishers of one of his works, Om Krishna. On the front of the envelope is affixed an address sticker with the name of Tamang & the address where he, CHF & his also famous sister Ruth Ford all resided- at the Dakota Apartments in NYC. By this time, CHF had died (2002) & Tamang was maintaining his apartment. On the back of the envelope is printed the name & address of the Museum at the University of Oklahoma. The envelope contains a three-fold card invitation to the opening reception of an exhibit held at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art at The University in Norman, Oklahoma. The exhibit featured a series of painted portraits by Harold Stevenson; & photographs by Ford spanning many decades & subjects of his legendary life. In addition, there are three developed 4"x6" photographs inside the folded invitation, taken a decade earlier & mailed along with it by Tamang for the Plymells. One shows CHF with Charles Plymell in an indoor setting; another shows Allen Ginsberg with Charles Plymell also in an indoor setting; & a third shows Peter Orlovsky, poet & Ginsberg's longtime companion, Ginsberg, Pamela Beach Plymell & (in profile mostly from back at right edge) Charles Plymell. All three photos are mechanically dated "11 30 '96" at lower right front corner, & are signed on verso in pencil. The signatures are presumed to be Tamang's, also the presumed photographer. We have not seen these images reproduced anywhere else. A one-of-a-kind packet of mementos with multiple important subjects & associations. From, of course, the personal collection of Charles & Pamela Beach Plymell, from whom we obtained it. The invitation is in very fine condition, with only very mild wear to folds; very slight rubbing & soiling to three interior panels including trace of pencil signature from one of the photos; & a browning highlight over the last line of text on the back side of the card as folded (indicating credits to Ruth Ford & Tamang). Photos in very fine condition, with only the tiniest bumps at a few corners & edges. Envelope in near-fine condition with very mild rubbing & soiling to front & rear surfaces; mild creasing & wear at edges & corners; rear flap significantly creased & folded at bottom where opened. Very Fine. [Item #1853]

Price: $125.00