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The work of Ed van der Elsken (1925-1990) revolved around years spent travelling, and the characters he encountered along the way. Born in Amsterdam, he was almost completely self-taught; his seemingly raw work less concerned with traditional technique and composition, and more with the evocation of atmosphere surrounding people and place.

Ed van der Elsken lived and worked in Paris between 1950 and 1954. During this time he compiled his first book, Love on the Left Bank. This book, which took the form of a fictional love story told in photographs and short passages of text, was highly successful, managing to capturing the spirit of the French New Wave.

Amsterdam remained his home but frequent travelling satisfied his natural curiosity. A fourteen-month trip around the world in 1959 and 1960 resulted in Sweet Life, a book of memorable places and individuals met along the way. A prolific artist, he produced a total of twenty-six books during his career.

Ed van der Elsken's work is in numerous collections, including those of the Rijkmuseum, Amsterdam; the Bibliothéque Nationale, Paris; the Museum of Modern Art, New York; and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Print available as:

Prices from £750.

All prices exclusive of vat and framing and subject to change.