One of Britain’s most prolific film poster artists is putting 120 of his original works under the hammer – for the first time.
Brian Bysouth, 86, produced posters for James Bond films, the Star Trek Deep Space Nine TV series – and even the Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark.
And now he is selling a treasure trove of his incredible memorabilia, which is expected to fetch up to £15,000 ($18,420) when it goes up for auction.
Among the most impressive pieces up for sale is a poster for Hearts of Fire (1987), starring Rupert Everett and Rupert Everett, which is valued at up to £800.
Brian’s artwork for The Mosquito Coast (1986), starring Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren and River Phoenix, is tipped to reach £500 when it goes under the hammer.
While his poster for the sequel to the chilling horror film The Hills Have Eyes (1985), directed by Wes Craven, is set to make in the region of £800.
Alastair McCrea, head of Entertainment Memorabilia at Ewbank’s auction house, which will sell the collection, called Brian’s work “iconic”
He said: “Brian Bysouth is a legend among his fellow artists, as well as film fans. He designed the artwork for some of the most popular films of the past 50 years.
“Much of his work is iconic, highly decorative and perfect for any collector’s wall. To be able to offer original artwork as well is very exciting.”
Brian, who was born in London, honed his craft at Willesden School Of Art on a scholarship before completing his statutory national service.
And back on civvy street, he decided to make his living as a commercial artist and joined the famed Downtons agency.
There he designed his first poster for the film Tiger Bay (1959), starring John Mills.
He then went onto work on the James Bond Franchise, including the first two films, Dr No (1962) and From Russia With Love (1962).
The artist’s involvement with Bond continued for decades, including as a freelancer from the 1970s.
Films sporting Brian’s artwork also include For Your Eyes Only (1981) and The Living Daylights (1987).
The last Bond poster he worked on was for The World Is Not Enough (1999).
Other Top titles that he produced work for have included Prizzi’s Honor, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence, The Emerald Forest, The Bounty, and Highlander.
And his non-film work includes designing adverts for the launch of Capital Radio, a brewery and even Quaker.
The online auction will take place on Dec. 1.
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