Exhibition

'The Lost Archive Of Andy Warhol' By William John Kennedy

29 Feb 2024 – 21 Mar 2024

Regular hours

Thursday
10:00 – 18:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Monday
10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday
10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 18:00

Free admission

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Woodbury House

London
England, United Kingdom

Event map

Woodbury House is delighted to announce the highly-anticipated exhibition 'The Lost Archive of Andy Warhol’ – showcasing a rediscovered collection of portraits of the iconic artist, taken in the 1960s by renowned photographer William John Kennedy (1930-2021).

About

Woodbury House is delighted to announce the highly-anticipated exhibition 'The Lost Archive of Andy Warhol’ – showcasing a rediscovered collection of portraits of the iconic artist, taken in the 1960s by renowned photographer William John Kennedy (1930-2021).

This extraordinary show features thirty prints, some never seen before, as well as a Museum Edition Set created exclusively for The Andy Warhol Museum. The portfolio, signed in the colophon and limited to an edition of only 50, comprises four hand-printed, gelatin silver prints and one chromogenic print, housed in a custom designed hand-made archival aluminium box, and accompanied by six smaller archival aluminium boxes that include a foreword, Introduction, and five essays.

Forgotten for years, the re-emergence of Kennedy’s photos was sparked by the misattribution of one of his images in a 2006 book on Warhol’s life and work. The revelation led the photographer to revisit a forgotten chapter of his own artistic legacy – and to pull out a box of negatives that had been in storage for over four decades. In 2008, Kennedy began to work through his archives, eventually putting together a collection of unparalleled historic and artistic significance.

The photographer is renowned his originality. Many of his images in the collection show Warhol not only holding his work, but also within it. Kennedy’s iconic ‘Warhol Holding Marilyn Acetate’ captures the artist pulling out the acetate of the now infamous portraits, one of which later became the seventh most expensive artwork ever sold, at an auction price of $195 million. One of this suite of photographs is now installed in the lobby of The Andy Warhol Museum – underscoring its importance.

The collection also includes a touching image of the Warhol and fellow artist Robert Indiana, who introduced Kennedy to Warhol and instigated a unique personal and profession relationship.

Since the rediscovery of his negatives, Kennedy's journey has seen some remarkable recognition, and his photographs are now in the esteemed collections of major institutions worldwide, reiterating the significance of his work both for preserving and showcasing the legacy of Andy Warhol, and in its own right.

Of the forthcoming exhibition, Joseph Bannan, Partner, and Curator of Woodbury House says, “We are thrilled to present 'The Lost Archive of Andy Warhol', featuring the remarkable photography of William John Kennedy. The work offers a rare glimpse into the inner world of one of the most iconic artists of our time, captured by a pioneer who was ahead of his time."

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY EXCLUDING OPEN DAY: MARCH 9TH.

While the gallery typically operates by appointment only, an open gallery event will be held on March 9, 2024, from 12:00 to 20:00. This event does not require reservations, and all art enthusiasts are invited to explore Kennedy's remarkable collection at their leisure.

What to expect? Toggle

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Woodbury House

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William John Kennedy

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