Author(s): Roland Penrose

History & Theory of Art

This special facsimlie edition provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two artists and their journey of discovery in a world that would be soon be transformed forever. Altogether this affecting and intimate publication has an important place in the history of Surrealist literature. In 1938, as Europe prepared for war. Roland Penrose and Lee Miller made a journey together through the Balkans. Penrose was a painter, author and curator, Miller, previously a model, had had succesful photographic studios in Paris and New York, and was a brilliant photographer. As they travelled Penrose created pictures and took notes. On their return Penrose produced a charming handmade photobook for Miller, a surrealist love poem, drawn from his own memories and records. A limited edition of the book was soon printed and Penrose embellished a small number with a series of Imaginative tipped in colour motifs. The first of which he personalised for Lee Miller.