| Description | This series consists of the material relating to Robert Crumb collected by Les Coleman and donated to the University of Arts London Archives and Special Collections. Materials include printed material, memorabilia/objects and audio visual material. The printed material primarily consists of comic books produced by Crumb between 1954 and 2004. With a combination of original printings and reproductions the collection holds an almost comprehensive Crumb comic book bibliography, including a complete set of Weirdo. Whilst not complete, the comic book collection demonstrates Coleman's dedication and admiration for Crumb's comic book sensibility.
In addition to collecting the softcover comics, Coleman also collected anthologies and compilations of Crumb's comics and stories. These collections of comics are either taken from certain titles [Weirdo, Zap], feature specific characters [Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural] or share a similar subject matter [women, music]. A few of these anthologies and compilations are collector's items in themselves, with some signed editions present in the collection. Amongst this section are Crumb's illustrated story books, which include a fairytale book dedicated to his first wife [The Yum Yum Book] and a graphic biography of Franz Kafka.
As well as Crumb's comic book stories Coleman also collected compilations of the artist's sketches, illustrations and designs. These include facsimiles of Crumb's sketchbooks, compilations of artwork related to a particular Crumb theme or motif [sex, family] or collections of his commercial work [record covers]. Other printed material includes publications to which Crumb made a significant and unique contribution, such as designing the front cover, providing accompanying illustrations or providing editorial duties. Amongst these there are collaborations with Charles Bukowski, illustrated cook books and New Yorker front covers. As a dedicated fan, Coleman also collected several biographies on Crumb as well as bibliographies and catalogues of the artist's work.
Beyond the bibliographic material, Coleman acquired a collection of limited edition Crumb prints. The majority of prints in the collection are signed by the artist himself and individually signed. Coleman also had the entire set professionally framed. Amongst the Crumb memorabilia/objects accumulated by Coleman there are badges, postcards, toys, trading cards, calendars and a chocolate bar. Many of the items appear unwrapped and rarely used suggesting Coleman collected them purely for their Crumb aesthetic and intended to preserve them. This intention is equally evident in the excellent condition of audiovisual material in the collection, such as the vinyl and CD sleeves which Crumb illustrated and designed. |
| Individual or organisational biography | Robert Dennis Crumb was born 30th August, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is widely considered to be the originator and creator of underground comics, or 'comix', being regarded as the movement's most renowned figure. From an early age Crumb and his brother Charles were obsessed with comics and cartoons, producing and distributing their own as teenagers ['Foo Comics']. As a young adult, Crumb eschewed academic training and instead worked as an illustrator for greeting card and bubble-gum card companies in Cleveland. In the late 1960s Crumb moved to San Francisco with his first wife Dana and became involved in the counter-cultural movement there. Both inspired and appalled by the city's attitude to sex, drugs and politics, Crumb produced the first edition of 'Zap Comix'. Unlike any comic book sensibility previously seen before, 'Zap' set the standard for all underground comics to follow.
Throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s Crumb's output was prolific, regularly producing his own titles and contributing to others. Here he collaborated with numerous leading underground comic book artists, such as Harvey Pekar, S Clay Wilson, Robert Williams, 'Spain' Rodriguez, Gilbert Shelton, Victor Moscoso, Rick Griffin, Jay Lynch, Kim Deitch and Aline Kominsky [his second wife]. In this period Crumb produced his most controversial work in regards to his depictions of sex, gender, drugs and race ['Big Ass Comics', 'Snatch', 'Jiz']. At the same time Crumb was also using comics to discuss women's liberation, environmental issues and the anxieties of contemporary American life ['Motor City Comics', 'The People's Comics', 'Mr. Natural'].
Although considered an 'underground' or 'counter-cultural' comic book artist Crumb found significant commercial success with his 'Keep on Truckin' and 'Stoned Again' imagery which were adapted for various forms of merchandise, from t-shirts to bumper stickers. Indeed the popularity of his character 'Fritz the Cat', who later featured in his own successful albeit X-rated animated film, made Crumb a US household name. Apart from the financial advantages of success, Crumb became disgruntled with his notoriety and decried the very counter-cultural movement in which he made his name. After 1975 Crumb gave up drugs and married Aline Kominsky, his comics and artwork then becoming more biographical and philosophical in style and tone ['Dirty Laundry Comics'].
In 1981 Crumb created his own comics review 'Weirdo', producing unique cover art all twenty-eight issues and chief editing the first nine. With 'Weirdo', Crumb provided a platform for the next generation of alternative comic book artists to showcase and develop their skills and talent. Some of names which contributed to the title included; Dennis Worden, Peter Bagge, Phoebe Gloeckner, Drew Freidman, Diane Noomin, Mary Fleener, Kaz, Daniel Clowes and Julie Douchet. Now established as a founding father of underground comics movement, and the alternative comics movemnet which followed, Crumb's work was beginning to be appreciated for his ability as an artist and illustrator. Throughout the 1980s the German publisher Zweitausdeins started publishing facsimiles of Crumb's sketchbooks, which soon sold out and are now coveted collector's items.
In the early 1990s Crumb and his family moved to Suave in the south of France just as international interest in his work growing. In 1994 Terry Zwigoff's documentary 'Crumb' drew further attention and applause to the artist, whose reputation was evolving from comic book creator toward internationally renowned fine artist. Exhibitions followed with Crumb artwork being exhibited from New York to Paris to London to Berlin with original Crumb artwork demanding five-figure sums. Despite the commercial art world's praise and acceptance of Crumb, the artist continued to produce works in the comic book medium. His most recent publication was a comic book version of 'The Book of Genesis' published in 2009. |
| Custodial History | The collection was donated to the University of Arts London Archives and Special Collection's Centre by his son Max Coleman. |