Untitled (Beaming Baby)

Keith Haring

In 1983 Keith Haring had his first and only exhibition at Robert Fraser Gallery in London and before the exhibition opened, on a panel above a door in the gallery, he drew this work. For the exhibition he also drew on the walls of the gallery. It is possible to find the exhibition card or poster online. On the reverse of the work is the address of the gallery, 21 Cork Street.
 
Robert Fraser was an art superstar in the 60s, he was Bridget Riley's first dealer and he is the other character hand-cuffed to Mick Jagger in the back of the police car in the famous photograph, Swinging London. His nickname was "Groovy Bob".
 
Fraser closed the gallery and passed away in 1986. This work was acquired by Fraser's sister-in-law, and is accompanied by a confirmatory letter of authenticity from her. The gallery at 21 Cork Street was subsequently occupied by Victoria Miro. Miro recalls that the wall paintings by Haring still existed when she took on the lease for the property and their sale funded the refurbishment work that was required.
Artist
Keith Haring (1958-1990)
Title
Untitled (Beaming Baby)
Medium
Marker on wood
Date
1983
Inscriptions
Inscribed verso in pencil in an unknown hand "21 Cork Street"
Size
67.3 x 91.4 cm : 26½ x 36 in
Framed Size
71.8 x 95.3 cm : 28¼ x 37½ in
Provenance
Robert Fraser Gallery, 21 Cork Street, 1983 Collection of Nicolas Fraser (by descent)
Notes
This work is accompanied by a letter of provenance from Charlotte Fraser. The authenticity of this work has been further confirmed by Gerard Faggionato, director of Robert Fraser Gallery in 1983.
Reference
A24-31
Status
Available