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REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

Klaus Voormann

In 1966, The Beatles departed from their earlier records and pushed the boundaries of rock and pop music by releasing their innovative and seminal album Revolver.

Capturing The Beatles' new direction, and visually representing their sound, Klaus Voormann's Revolver cover artwork became instantly iconic. It went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Cover – Graphic Arts on 2nd March 1967 – the first time for a rock and pop album.

Now, Voormann is working with Genesis Publications on a limited, Grammy Anniversary edition of a book he has created, entitled REVOLVER 50. Including new artwork, photos, and introductions by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, the book offers a fascinating insight into the making of the legendary cover artwork. The commemorative REVOLVER 50: The Grammy Anniversary Edition is limited to only 500 copies. Each book comes with a signed original drawing by the artist; a one-of-a-kind artwork, from a selection Voormann has curated exclusively for this anniversary edition, as well as a special Grammy Anniversary 12-page commemorative booklet.

'In the end, the Revolver cover was a classic and this book is another.' Paul McCartney
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The Artist

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

Klaus Voormann is an artist, musician and producer who, in addition to designing the Award-winning Revolver artwork has also designed over 100 magazine and record covers, for musicians including the Bee Gees, as well as the artwork for The Beatles Antholo

He was a member of Manfred Mann, and has also played on many solo projects by George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon. He also took part in the Concert for Bangladesh, and was a founding member of John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band. As well as contributing to recordings by, amongst others, Randy Newman, Lou Reed, Ravi Shankar and Carly Simon.

In 2009 Voormann celebrated his 70th birthday by releasing his own album, A Sideman's Journey, featuring various musicians he has collaborated with over the years - such as Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yusuf Islam, Dr. John and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh.
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The Artwork

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

The Grammy Anniversary limited edition of REVOLVER 50 will come with an original, unique piece of artwork from Klaus Voormann. The drawings for the Deluxe and Collector copies are exclusively made available for Genesis readers.

'I opened my graphical 'treasure box' and made 500 original drawings available for the Grammy Anniversary edition of my book. Each Collector and Deluxe copy is unique and makes you the owner of an original Klaus Voormann artwork.'  Klaus Voormann

Chosen from Voormann's archive from the REVOLVER 50 graphic novel, each of these artworks forms a vignette from the story of Revolver's creation, and the artist's journey to create the cover design. This is a valuable opportunity to acquire a piece of the Revolver narrative, as well as a beautiful piece of art.
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The Manuscript

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

In REVOLVER 50, the story of the album cover is recounted in the style of a graphic novel drawn by Voormann.

Telling the story of his first encounter with The Beatles in Hamburg, his visits to Abbey Road to listen to Revolver during the album's production, and the ultimate reaction of the band to his artwork, as well as the enduring impact it had on album cover design.

Additionally, there is a Foreword from Paul McCartney, and an introductory letter from Ringo Starr, reminiscing about the making of Revolver and the album cover. This is accompanied by introductions by Mike D'Abo of Manfred Mann, and Professor Lawrence Zeegen, Dean of the School of Design at Ravensbourne.

'Thanks for sending me the proof of your REVOLVER book - it brought back such great memories - even farther back than Revolver - to when you used to share an apartment with George and I in Whaddon House in London.'  Ringo Starr
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The Collector Copies

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

Limited to 433 boxed sets, the Collector copies of the Grammy Anniversary edition of REVOLVER 50 contain trace paper pages inserted, new photographs and a series of illustrations, and contributions by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

The signed book will be hand-bound in buckram, with gold foil blocking and gilt page edges.

Additionally, each Collector copy includes an original pencil drawing presented within its box, on a record-sized 29 x 29cm (approximately 12 x 12") mount, which is suitable for framing. Each book and drawing will be signed by the artist, and will come with a special Grammy Anniversary 12-page commemorative booklet.
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The Deluxe Copies

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

Each Deluxe copy of REVOLVER 50 includes trace paper inserts, a series of new original illustrations, and contributions from McCartney and Starr.

Only numbers 1-67 will be Deluxe copies; the books will be fully hand-bound in Klaus Voormann's choice of soft grain imitation leather, with gold foil blocking and gilt page edging. Each copy will also be encased in a beautiful solander box, and will come with an exclusive Grammy Anniversary booklet.

Each Deluxe copy of REVOLVER 50 will come with a unique framed artwork (framed size, 47 x 47cm (18.5 x 18.5"). Presented within an acid-free mount and UV glaze, this larger format pencil drawing is signed and authenticated by Klaus Voormann.

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

Select from the following editions:

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Collector

NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Deluxe

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

REVOLVER 50: Birth of an Icon

  • ISBN:
    9781905662487book
  • Collector:
    433 copies
  • Signed by:
    Klaus Voormann
  • Extras:
    Each Collector copy includes an original pencil drawing presented within its box, on a record-sized 29 x 29cm (approximately 12 x 12") mount, which is suitable for framing.
The Collector Copies No longer available
  • Published Jan 2017

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Since 1974 Genesis has created signed limited edition books on behalf of authors and artists ranging from the Beatles to Buckingham Palace.

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