The Fairburn System of Visual References [9 volume set]

Nine albums, ca. 103 pp. each, consisting of photographic depictions of human figures of various ages, sexes, and "ethnic and character types" in poses and situations useful for illustration reference in art and advertising. Folio. Very good. Spiral bound books housed in printed vinyl album covers. [1512]

According to the introduction to Set No. 1: Male and Female, Full Figure and Hands, "This rich source of material enables experienced artists and student to spend their time producing work rather than posing models, taking expensive photographs or searching for references. Each figure is shot from a variety of heights and angles. It is the equivalent of being able to pose a professional model, walk around model and choose the view you want from the height you want. Such an advantage enables the artist to develop technique and also speed." The resulting publications are mesmerizing, showcasing a tremendous amount of social and cultural assumptions about gender, race, aging, and ethnicity. While individual volumes of the various sets can sometimes be obtained singly, a full set of the first edition works is rare. We are unable to locate a university library in North America that has holdings of all nine parts of Sets 1, 2, and 3.