Living Arts Vol.1-3, Complete Set [Theo Crosby]

Editor: Theo Crosby, John Bodley
Publisher: Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Publication: 1963-4, First Edition
Binding: Softcover, section sewn
Pages: 128 each
Size: 210 x 200
Text: English
Design: Gordon House

Living Arts was a short-lived but highly influential avant-garde documentary magazine published by the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London during the early 1960s. Edited by architect, writer, and sculptor Theo Crosby (in collaboration with John Bodley) and designed by Gordon House, the publication aimed to complement and document the ICA's activities, fostering interdisciplinary discussions on modern art, architecture, urbanism, and culture. Only three issues were produced between 1963 and 1964, making the complete set a rare and sought-after artefact of the era's progressive design movements. Crosby, a key figure in London's avant-garde scene, used the magazine to bridge spheres like Pop Art, information theory, and radical urban planning - overlapping with landmarks like the Independent Group's This Is Tomorrow exhibition and the Archigram collective's visionary works.

The issues feature black-and-white illustrations, manifestos, interviews, and experimental texts, reflecting Crosby's role as a "hidden hand" in uniting artists, architects, and critics. The magazine's glossy laminated paperback format (typically around 8vo size, 100–130 pages per issue) often shows minor wear like edge rubbing or bubbling on the plastic covers, but surviving copies are prized for their cultural significance. Today, individual issues or complete sets sell for hundreds to thousands of pounds on rare book markets, underscoring their status as key 1960s arts publications.

Volume 1: Focuses on contemporary visual and performing arts. Features essays and artworks by Franz Kline (abstract expressionism), William Turnbull and Richard Smith (sculpture), Cornelius Cardew (avant-garde music, including his score Autumn '60 for Orchestra), Lawrence Alloway (Pop Art criticism), Carl Nesjar (poetry and photography), and David Sylvester (interviews). Includes Roy Fisher's poetry and Robert Freeman's photographs. Edited introduction by Crosby and Bodley sets a tone for interdisciplinary exploration.

Volume 2: The most iconic issue, centered on urbanism and the Living City exhibition (June–August 1963 at ICA). A 50-page feature expands on the show's manifesto, with contributions from Archigram members: Peter Cook (The Key to the Vitality of the City), Dennis Crompton (City Synthesis), and others like Warren Chalk, Ron Herron, David Greene, Michael Webb, and Peter Taylor (on concepts like "Movement Gloop" and total exhibition structures). Also includes Richard Hamilton's Urbane Image, Peter Startup's sculptures, and Gillo Dorfles on symbolic value. This issue embodies Crosby's push for "international" progressive notions in architecture.

Volume 3: Shifts to allegory, communication, and cultural critique. Highlights include Bernard Cohen on The Allegorical Situation, David Sylvester's interview with sculptor David Smith, Gillo Dorfles on Communication and Symbolic Value, Reyner Banham's satirical The Atavism of the Short-Distance Minicyclist, and Robert Maxwell's review of Living City. Continues the magazine's blend of theory, art, and urban reflection.

Condition: Very Good. Shelf ware consistent with age. Light rubbing to cover/edges.

Standard Postage: Provides 'limited cover' for loss/damage only up to £30GBP. Please select the alternative ‘full cover' option at checkout for more valuable items! Excess shipping charges will be reimbursed. Any import charges/taxes, if incurred, to be covered by the buyer.

5214