Vintage Bond Props - OHMSS
qbvi
AustraliaPosts: 254MI6 Agent
What does every man need when the job just gets TOO MUCH?
A stiff drink, after a suitable apology to Her Royal Highness.
This picture in my collection (not screen used BTW) is seen in Bond's office in OHMSS after he announces his resignation to Moneypenny.
This vintage prop is an engraved mezzotint from the famous portrait painting by Pietro Annigoni. This mezzotint was done and signed by Lawrence Josset...Lawrence Josset was noted for his skillful technique in etching and intaglio printmaking. One of his most important and popular works was the engraved mezzotint plate of the Annigoni portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, printed as a limited edition for The Times in London. Josset was a member of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers.
Mezzotints are produced on copper plates. The entire surface of the plate is roughed with a tool, shaped like a wide chisel with a curved and serrated edge - the Mezzotint Rocker. By rocking the toothed edge back wards and forwards over the plate, a rough burr is cast up which holds the ink. Once this is completed, a drawing can be transferred onto the plate, using carbon paper. When printed, the textured ground reads as a uniform dark; the areas to be lightened are scraped and burnished - therefore, working from dark to light - a reverse technique to etching and engraving. Little can compare the Mezzotint in the richness of its blacks; it is unique among the intaglio printmaking processes. This was bought at John Lewis Dept. Store in Central London in the 70's. Print #114/300.
The solid, wood frame is done in gold and black, and has a crackle effect. Matted in beige, this makes the deep luscious colors of the stoic Queen and her robes stand out all the more.
JOSSET, Lawrence (b. 1910)
Born in Cambridgeshire, he acquired his early knowledge and skill as an engraver of banknotes. This skill and attention to detail has marked him as one of the finest intaglio artists of this century. One of his most important works was the engraved mezzotint plate of the Annigoni portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This plate was printed as a limited edition for The Times in London which was subsequently over-subscribed. Now deceased, the art world is without the continued talents of a true craftsman. He has over the years established a great versatility of subjects, including works of portraits, sports, floral and landscapes. Member RE.
Still debating with myself whether I should reframe this with the red matting as per the film OHMSS.
A stiff drink, after a suitable apology to Her Royal Highness.
This picture in my collection (not screen used BTW) is seen in Bond's office in OHMSS after he announces his resignation to Moneypenny.
This vintage prop is an engraved mezzotint from the famous portrait painting by Pietro Annigoni. This mezzotint was done and signed by Lawrence Josset...Lawrence Josset was noted for his skillful technique in etching and intaglio printmaking. One of his most important and popular works was the engraved mezzotint plate of the Annigoni portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, printed as a limited edition for The Times in London. Josset was a member of the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers.
Mezzotints are produced on copper plates. The entire surface of the plate is roughed with a tool, shaped like a wide chisel with a curved and serrated edge - the Mezzotint Rocker. By rocking the toothed edge back wards and forwards over the plate, a rough burr is cast up which holds the ink. Once this is completed, a drawing can be transferred onto the plate, using carbon paper. When printed, the textured ground reads as a uniform dark; the areas to be lightened are scraped and burnished - therefore, working from dark to light - a reverse technique to etching and engraving. Little can compare the Mezzotint in the richness of its blacks; it is unique among the intaglio printmaking processes. This was bought at John Lewis Dept. Store in Central London in the 70's. Print #114/300.
The solid, wood frame is done in gold and black, and has a crackle effect. Matted in beige, this makes the deep luscious colors of the stoic Queen and her robes stand out all the more.
JOSSET, Lawrence (b. 1910)
Born in Cambridgeshire, he acquired his early knowledge and skill as an engraver of banknotes. This skill and attention to detail has marked him as one of the finest intaglio artists of this century. One of his most important works was the engraved mezzotint plate of the Annigoni portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This plate was printed as a limited edition for The Times in London which was subsequently over-subscribed. Now deceased, the art world is without the continued talents of a true craftsman. He has over the years established a great versatility of subjects, including works of portraits, sports, floral and landscapes. Member RE.
Still debating with myself whether I should reframe this with the red matting as per the film OHMSS.
A Whisper of Love, A Whisper of Hate
Comments
Bit dubious about whether anybody should have a picture of the Queen on their wall if they were not one of her subjects. And a loyal one at that.
At risk of entering the Republic debate Downunder, I do believe the Antipodeans are still Her Majesty's subjects, wot?
That's perfectly right...although there has in the past under different Prime Minister's moves toward a republic....then a strong monarchist PM...now the issue has receded somewhat
As an aside, I would have thought the Brits would want to hold onto every last possession....excuse the bad joke B-)
But that is besides the point...ISN'T THIS A BOND FORUM....AND BOND IN OHMSS IS A MONARCHIST !!!
Since you have the picture to commerate the film, by all means splurge and redo it with the proper matte.
Bond’s Beretta
The Handguns of Ian Fleming's James Bond
Indeed they are. Hence the oft repeated phrase "God Save YOUR Queen."
It's amazing what bits and pieces one's ancestors pick up on their travels, isn't it?
But it was more a joke at my expense rather than a desire to put any Colonials in their place: I was offered an Annigoni some years ago - the Bond fan in me said get one, the "real" me said where I am going to put it...
I know what you mean...this picture usually appeared in government, commercial premises....subject matter not that fitting in a personal residence...even though up close it is a really beautiful print with real depth to the colours - I am still figuring out my space to put it...afterthought...will look good in a library setting with my 1st editions
Spot on.....when you see it in the "flesh" the printing quality is astounding...it just doesn't look like those "IKEA type photo prints" for home decor. Difference is in the depth and richness of the colours.
A few more OHMSS momentos, literary, cinematic and real life
There was another thread on the Pinaud Elixer shampoos on this forum. Fleming mentions the Pinaud Elixer in chp 2: Gran Turismo, when Bond in novel arrives in Royale les Eaux (in film PTS was in Portugal). Bond considers this "that "prince among shampoos" and uses it to wash the dust of the roads after his fervent chase after Tracy's Lancia along that stretch of the N1 route from Amiens to Calais, which passes Montreuil, Royale and Le Tourquet.
(Novel) These are my vintage bottles purchased more than 3 years ago and which were probably responsible for starting the collecting bug on this forum. You will note that the colour of the shampoo of which quinine formed an ingredient, varies. One of my bottles is colour of blood plasma (looks dark brown) but against the light glows brown red while the other bottle is the "raspberry" red juice colour. I believe this to be a colour variation rather than the shampoo going off, but am willing to be "chemically" corrected.
(Film) Also seen here is Blofeld's Angel of Death compact, a beautiful gold toned piece that is quite small.
(Film) The miniature camera Lazenby uses snuggles inside its leatherette case. The size of these cameras made them sought after as real spy instruments during the 1960's. In these cameras, the silver chain doubles as the cameras measuring scale for focusing for close up spy work; eg. photographing documents when focusing becomes more critical. Exact models in near mint condition are hard to come by. In the film when Lazenby uses it to take a pic in Blofeld's lair, notice the camera is used upside down. The coloured filter screens (supposedly the cameras) are post production additions.
(Film) Boutell's Heraldry, correct vintage edition in fine to near mint condition, is the reference tome Lazenby uses at Piz Gloria to study Blofeld's claim to the Beuchamp ancestry.
(Film) A nice bottle of Guerlain perfume that Diana wore in the movie and in which Lazenby refers to in conversation. Note: in the novel, Fleming refer's to "Ode", a different fragrance altogether. The brown box at rear of picture is the presentation box for the perfume bottle. Guerlain actually used the same design box (and incidentally) bottle also, to pack these fragrances; eg, Mitsouko, another fine fragrance. Many of these perfume bottles, especially pre 1960's bottles, despite looking identical to the post 60's ones, were made of baccarat crystal...so can become quite expensive. Beware when collecting some of these as the old perfume can seal the lids, or there can be stains and other damage on the labels.
(Real life) In some ways, the "piece de resistance" is this (probably 70'/80's) vintage pewter ashtray from Piz Gloria. Despite Piz Gloria been so etched in the minds of Bond fans, the owners have not capitalised on the significant merchandising opportunities available for fans willing to make the trip to this location. I am only aware of 2 really "substantial" souvenirs from Schilthorn. In the JBIFC club magazine Graham Rye put out many years ago devoted to OHMSS there is only one mention of a pewter wall plate with Blofeld's coat of arms stamped into it. That's all! However, years ago I came across this pewter ashtray, really heavy, with an amazing pressing of Blofeld's coat of arms on it. IMO, the detailing of this ashtray surpasses the larger wall plate in its design - mainly because there is a lot of empty space on the wall plate - this does not mean I will pass the plate by if I ever come across it, though!
WOW!!!
I'm "loving" seeing your collection.
Great photos and desciptions.
The ashtray is MAGNIFICENT!!!
Ed
the spyboys Facebook page
DG
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
Well done on getting the ashtray - never heard of that one before - but I do have the plate hanging on my wall, have done for many years, can't remember whether I bought it from either Graham's club or Dave Worrall's Collecting 007 magazine. I also bought a "badge" for a walking stick/cane at the same time, but that's tucked away somewhere (I hope).
Hang on to that plate. This thread is great for getting stuff out of the woodwork. Put some pics up if you have the time. cheers
Lot #157 Lawrence Josset H.M. QUEEN ELIZABETH II A signed coloured print, 66cms x 43cms
There was no picture with the description, but after a little research, Josset only did mezzotints and then only one of the Queen. It had to be the one. I called the auction house and said that I was interested in the print only to be told that the sale was actually in progress. I asked which lot they were up to and was told #150, my heart sank and the lady I was talking to told me it was too late for telephone bids (they have to be booked ahead of time) and no time to register for a commission bid. She could tell I was dissapointed and after a short paused offered to go into the sale room and bid for me. I thanked her and said to go ahead and that she would email me the invoice if she was successfull. Later yesterday afternoon I recieved an invoice.
I drove down to the auction house this morning with a feeling of dread that I had just bought a turkey. But no, it was a good day, the print is magnificent and exactly as I'd hoped. I now have to source a similar frame moulding to the movie and remount accordingly. I feel like my birthday has come early, although I'm hoping that several other grail presents will come my way soon....the GE Device, the SE GG, a real mother of pearl SPECTRE ring and more.
Please excuse the crude photos, done for speed
Hope you enjoy, and thanks to Sid for the timing and inspiration.
Oooh almost forgot, how much was it?................£20 and that's not a mistype. Danjaq, the God of Eon was looking down on me yesterday.
www.justgiving.com/inMemoryOfLewisCollins
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
Oh and congratulations on the print :007)
~ Casino Royale, Ian Fleming
I'm slightly envious but that's a good thing !!!
That is SO lucky!!!!
Congratulations!!!
Ed
TheSpyBoys.com
the spyboys Facebook page
WOW...that is SO LUCKY.
I can imagine the suspense of the day...the turmoil of the emotions....at first the discovery, then the deflation as you learn the auction is under way. Then hope as the lady bids for you. Then the surprise of the invoice...the trepidation as you pick it up - bought sight unseen...then VOILA....the sweet prize....you really have a story!
Glad my humble thread started you off, Andy.
p/s if you will forgive the inside joke....why is it that you, a "loyal UK resident" pays 20 gbp for that picture, whereas myself, a "loyal Colonial subject" pays considerably more than that? Quantum measure of loyalty??? LOL
cheers, Sid
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360234454923&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
OMG. One things for sure, mines NOT for sale
www.justgiving.com/inMemoryOfLewisCollins
www.helpforheroes.org.uk
As I said..."You loyal British subject" LOL
Mine's not for sale either...you struck gold Andy