Original final artwork by Brian Bysouth for an unused British one-sheet for Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, directed by Nagisa ÅŒshima. The piece is accompanied by a scarce example of the unused one-sheet, signed by the artist. This lot comes from the personal collection of Brian Bysouth. This 1983 film is acclaimed for its psychologically complex portrayal of cultural conflict and human connection within a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp during the Second World War. It is particularly celebrated for its performances by David Bowie, Tom Conti, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, whose score became internationally renowned. This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire not only the original artwork for the film's unused one-sheet, but also one of the handful of printed examples that utilised the design-signed by Brian Bysouth himself. The artwork is painted in gouache and signed by Bysouth in black ink in the bottom right corner of the image. The illustration board on which the main image is rendered is affixed with select cut-out lettering elements, including the title and credits, completing the composition. The piece is overlaid with two protective paper sheets - the first opaque and the second translucent - the latter annotated in black ink with design notes and marked "APP" (Artist's Proof). Sold without copyright; see copyright notice in the Terms and Conditions.
The opaque protective paper layer exhibits a minor tear, while there is slight discolouration to the illustration board consistent with the piece's age.
Estimate: £1,500 - 3000
M ARR
British artist Brian Bysouth (b. 1936) is one of the most celebrated film poster designers of the twentieth century, renowned for his dynamic style that defined an era of cinematic advertising. Trained at art school and beginning his career at the advertising agency Downtons, Bysouth quickly established himself within the film industry, producing artwork for hundreds of posters as well as major advertising campaigns and editorial commissions.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Bysouth created iconic imagery for landmark productions including the James Bond films For Your Eyes Only, A View to a Kill and The Living Daylights, as well as Raiders of the Lost Ark and Highlander. A central figure in the golden age of hand-painted posters, his work captures both the drama and glamour of cinema at its peak. Now increasingly sought after by collectors, Bysouth's original artworks and personal archive offer a rare opportunity to acquire pieces from one of the industry’s most influential artists.
See Online Here: 526. The Brian Bysouth Collection: Original Unused British One-Sheet Final Artwork and Brian Bysouth-Signed Unused One-Sheet; 54.5 cm x 76 cm (21.5 x 30 ), Brian Bysouth ### MERRY CHRISTMAS MR LAWRENCE (1983)
