Richard Hamilton, C.H.

Rare working proofs, two screenprints in colours, 1972, the first a proof for stage 19 of Release in which the second and final black photographic screen was applied, with slight variations in the darkest skin tones; the second a proof for stage 16, with the darkest grey screen added but before the silver foil was applied (the silver foil was added at stage 17), each printed with less of the figure at left than in the final edition, each printed by the Artist and Chris Prater at Kelpra Studio, London, on wove paper, the final edition was 150, each framed

Both are working proofs and therefore bear the defects one would expect to be associated with this, each framed. Working proof 16: the colours fresh, some minor scuffing in background, a short crease in the light green jacket, some tiny spots of stray ink, some slight blue vertical scuff marks at left and right edges of image, minor handling creases mostly in right margin. Working proof 19: broken creases mostly at lower left corner of sheet, a small scraped spot in darkest black at top of image, other minor scuffs and scrapes in black, some stray ink marks verso, very slight foxing in right margin.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Over the years, Richard Hamilton and Chris Prater of Kelpra Studios worked closely as a team building on Hamilton’s already strong portfolio of prints. In 1972, the pair embarked on a project to produce an edition based on the subject of Robert Fraser and Mick Jagger's arrest. This was to raise funds for Release, an organisation providing legal aid and social support as well as the National Council for Civil Liberties.

For this project, Hamilton and Prater produced a total of 19 stage proofs. In each stage they created a screen with a new area of colour to be built up, layer upon layer, to create the final product – Release. 17 of these stage proofs were given by the Artist and Prater to the Tate Gallery, London in 1977. 

Upon completing stage 17, Hamilton saw potential in this combination of screens and decided to produce a full edition of 19 plus two Artist’s proofs entitled Swingeing London III. Each of the impressions in these two lots are a working proof associated with one of the 19 stages.