Re: John Latham book—
John A. Walker releases legal letters
Lawyer to publisher. Publisher to Walker. Walker to publisher. Via the internet, more real art world stories can get out.
(ADP staff—) Well, what do we have here?! Often when books and articles feature an artist, it goes quite smoothly. But sometimes it ends up in intrigue and lots of art world drama. Occasionally lawyers enter the picture, and such was the case with the pre-final draft of Walker’s John Latham: The incidental person—his art and ideas (1995).
To share some of the intrigue with readers, Walker has agreed to release the legal letters to share some of the behind-the-scenes context of this book publication.
Here are some of our favorite quotes from the letters:
Walker: "I am not a paid advocate or PR person for John Latham… I have told him that if the book is still not what he wants—he should disown it. This would make a good publicity point!..."
"Latham acts as if he is the commissioner or patron of the book rather than its subject matter. He assumes rights over it which he does not possess. He tries to treat me like a slave whose function is to write down exactly what he dictates. This is not on…"
—John A. Walker
Now how many other artists and designers have been doing this, and the writer-historian didn’t tell you? And why wouldn’t they tell you, hmmm?
Read the letters here:
Don’t miss
- For a context in a narrative about John A. Walker vs. John Latham, read "Perils of publishing" at artnet.com.
- For a rock ‘n’ roll version of the conflict, see Art historian bites back at Art Design Publicity.
- "John Latham: Books for burning (1987)", interview by John A. Walker
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