Eichele, Robin (Harris, Bill)

Original Photograph: Bill Harris at the Detroit Artists' Workshop

Detroit, MI: Robin Eichele, c. 1965. Original Photograph. Single Sheet. A photograph (measuring appx. 11” x 8.5” incl. margin) featuring noted Detroit poet & playwright, Bill Harris (b. 1945), along with two presently unidentified figures from the Detroit Artists’ Workshop c. 1964-1965. The photographer behind this image is none other than Robin Eichele (b. 1941), the American poet and Mimeograph Revolutionary who co-founded the Detroit Artists’ Workshop in November 1964 with John Sinclair (1941-2024), the great American activist & poet-printer-publisher. Sinclair and Eichele’s involvement in the Mimeograph Revolution (as the “President” and “Vice President,” respectively of the Detroit Artists’ Workshop) was of great importance to the movement, overall; and key to the dissemination of Beat Generation literature, as well the Mim-Rev’s own literary productions; all of which were categorically influenced by the Beats. Though not much is known about Harris' particular role or the fuller context of his involvement with the Workshop, We at TMB can confidently say that the poet, playwright, and Cass Tech graduate was one among several poets-&-artists whose love of literature, jazz, and artistic friendship combined to result in contributions to the scene surrounding the D.A.W. from the point of its inception onwards. While not yet perceived as a marquee contributor to the Mimeograph Revolution (or the scene surrounding the Detroit Artists’ Workshop), in 2011 Harris became a Kresge Eminent Artist Award recipient, and a monograph of his work was produced by the Kresge Foundation later that year. We’ll be sure to let Third Minders know if there’s anything by Harris that finds its way into our holdings (and direct the curious towards it, accordingly); but the monograph remains an outstanding source for those seeking to familiarize themselves with the work of a great — (& ruefully under-read!) — poet, dramatist and Detroiter. From the collection of Robin Eichele (b. 1941), noted Mimeograph Revolutionary & co-founder (with John Sinclair) of the Detroit Artists’ Workshop. On verso of this item is an identifying label that reads: “Credit: Photograph by Robin Eichele / Photograph © by Robin Eichleay.” The second line, of course, prints Robin’s name incorrectly and features a misspelling: and this mistake is verified by the presence of the correct spelling of Eichele’s name directly above the incorrectly printed version). Photograph in very fine condition with only the slightest rubbing & some faint scratching to glossy recto, with a few miniscule bumps present at/along fine-edges & corners of same; otherwise, pristine. Very Fine. [Item #8480]

Price: $100.00