Portfolio — Annual of the Graphic Arts (1951)
Table of contents
Overview
Portfolio: The Annual of the Graphic Arts (1951) is a high-end design annual co-edited by Alexey Brodovitch with George S. Rosenthal and Zachary Frank. It showcases leading graphic artists and printers of the era, making it a collectible snapshot of mid-century design craft with premium paper and printing.
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Condition notes
- Binding: heavy pages can loosen; check for tight spine and intact signatures (some copies are perfect-bound, others sewn).
- Plates: verify all inserts/plates are present and untrimmed; missing plates hit value hard.
- Dust jacket/slipcase: presence raises value; note edge wear or tears. Some copies circulated without jackets—verify.
- Marks: watch for bookplate or institutional stamps inside front cover.
FAQ
Is this the same as the Portfolio magazine?
This annual is related in spirit but is a standalone 1951 volume showcasing graphic arts; Brodovitch served as a co-editor.
Does it include Brodovitch’s own work?
It highlights multiple designers; Brodovitch’s influence is most visible in the overall curation and layout.
How rare is a clean copy?
Copies show up, but collector-grade examples with tight binding and minimal wear are less common and priced higher.