Ohio State University logo University Libraries arrow Rare Books and Manuscripts


Bern Porter
A Guide and Inventory
SPEC.RARE.CMS.361


(Guide created by Sophia McGuire.)

INTRODUCTION

Bern Porter, 1911-2004, was an innovative American poet, artist, publisher, and essayist, whose work has challenged several generations of artists and writers. His works in the genres of found texts and poetry, collage, and assemblage, have been particularly influential.



Overview of the Collection:

Repository:Rare Books and Manuscripts Library
Identification:SPEC.RARE.CMS.361
Creator:Bern Porter
Title:Bern Porter Collection
Dates:1989-2004
Quantity:29 manuscript boxes
Description:Collection of Porter’s personal belongings and works.




Box and Folder Listing:


Box 1

Porter’s metal cabinet that was used to hold found objects.



Box 2

Note that reads, “The cabinet is now for food founds!” Contents include:
  • A small flattened Sprite bottle
  • A plastic, empty yellow bottle
  • A plastic, empty white bottle
  • A pastry on a Styrofoam tray, wrapped in plastic. Reduced price to 80 cents.




Box 3

Consists of two glass soda bottles, one glass bottle with seeds inside, Styrofoam peanuts, a bottle of Avon cream and a plastic yellow bottle.

Originally in box labeled: Porter contents for small cabinet 1993 (3 times); Part 2 of 2; This end up (with several arrows).



Box 4

Another box of found objects, box 4 contains a plastic Pepsi cup, glass bottle, broken orange Styrofoam object and various founds.

Originally in box labeled: Porter contents for small cabinet 1993 (3 times); Part 2 of 2; This end up (with several arrows).



Box 5

Box 5 houses four pieces of wood in various shapes that have been painted with bright colors.

Originally in box labeled: Porter contents for small cabinet 1993 (3 times); Part 2 of 2; This end up (with several arrows).



Box 6

This box contains found items that are included in the cabinet/refrigerator founds.
  • Small American flag.
  • 1 liter bottle. Found bottle poem with various contents: candy, popcorn, small colored wire, seeds, nuts, sand, etc. Tag with erotic image on one side. Other side reads, “Fully Full, Belfast 10-14-94” and “#5” along with a signature.
  • Plastic bottle with rounded bottom. Appears to be an unfinished bottle poem. Contents include a few Styrofoam peanuts as well as some colorful wire.
  • A blue remote-controlled truck. Child’s toy.
  • Orange Halloween bucket with various found objects.
  • Objects floating around in the box with plastic wrapped around them – aerosol can cap with plastic strawberry, unknown objects.

  • Originally in box labeled: Porter contents for small cabinet 1993 (3 times); Part 2 of 2; This end up (with several arrows).




Box 7

This box in the Bern Porter Collection contains three glass bowls with a decorative pattern covering each. The largest bowl is approximately 27cm in width, while the smaller two are approximately 13cm. One smaller bowl has a price tag attached.



Box 8, 9 and 10

Contain Porter’s “fruit bowls,” each of which contains a large variety of objects. Each box includes Styrofoam peanuts, wrappers, rocks, pieces of plastic, etc.

Note: Fruit bowl box 2 (collection box 9) – “Finger founds for transparent (not frosted or etched) glass fruit bowls. Note: on the bottom is layer of wooden founds. Please evenly (?) all wood pieces with their types of (?).”

Note: Fruit bowl box 3 (collection box 10) – “For transparent glass bowls. Finger founds by Bern Porter.”



Box 11

Styrofoam pieces. Originally in box labeled:
  • Porter – foam founds c. 1992; Porter (2 times); Porter Founds (foam); PH’s address to THO; 2#.
  • Peter Huttinger address in Cincinnati, OH




Box 12

Styrofoam pieces. Originally in box labeled:
  • Porter – foam founds c. 1992; Porter (2 times); Porter Founds (foam); PH’s address to THO; 2#.
  • Peter Huttinger address in Cincinnati, OH




Box 13

Styrofoam pieces. Originally in box labeled:
  • Porter – foam founds c. 1992; Porter (2 times); Porter Founds (foam); PH’s address to THO; 2#.
  • Peter Huttinger address in Cincinnati, OH




Box 14

Three bottle poems. Each bottle has various contents as well as a signed tag with an erotic image of a woman.



Box 15

A sculpture created from a circular wire rack and a small pair of child’s shoes. Sculpture approximately 13 inches in width.



Box 16

This box in the Bern Porter Collection contains sculpture founds from 1992-1993.
  • Head of a Lennox Sound AM/FM cassette recorder. A note from BP Is attached.
  • Broken piece of cassette recorder. Signed label by Porter.
  • The rest of the cassette recorder with a post-it note and further instructions from Porter.
  • Bicycle seat with the majority of the cushion pulled off so that the plastic is showing. Short note included.
  • A metal piece with a note from BP that it stands on a mantelpiece.




Box 17

Refer to Excel spreadsheet. This box contains collages.



Box 18

Refer to Excel spreadsheet. This box contains collages.



Box 19

Refer to Excel spreadsheet. This box contains collages.



Box 20

Refer to Excel spreadsheet. This box contains collages.



Box 21

Wooden dowl pieces of Porter’s.
  • Note on original box: “Wood Dowls, c. 1992”




Box 22

This box contains cut books that Porter created. The books have different areas and designs that are cut out in each book.



Volatile Files: Boxes 23-29

Box 23


Folders 1 through 24
  1. Porter
    • 3 ½ inch floppy, not formatted, unable to open in computer.
    • Collection notes by JMB
    • Draft of Porter’s career bio
    • “Bern Porter – A Macro Essay after he said ‘I’ve Left’ by Judd Tully.
    • Information on Porter’s books from Volatile
    • Bern Porter archival notes. Listing of works by Porter.
    • Three copies of ‘Bern Porter: multiples and prints’
  2. Porter/To be filed
    • Letter to Huttinger from the Getty. 10/29/1990.
    • Postcard to Huttinger from Porter.
    • A checklist from Porter to Huttinger, dated July 24th.
    • Postcard from Porter to Huttinger, informing Huttinger of his Belfast outlet.
    • Postcard with information on Porter’s 80th birthday video celebration at Belfast Library.
    • The Last Acts of Saint Fuckyou
    • Postcard regarding Cyclops Video Productions producing a video.
    • Letter from Porter to Huttinger, regarding some enlargements being used as publicity.
    • Preview! newspaper dated 8/2-8/9/1991, which includes an interview with Bern Porter.
    • Two editions of Artweek.
  3. Porter, Bern; Nevers (?)/Promo
    • Letter from Huttinger to Ruth and Marvin Sackner of the Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry. Dated 8/4/1994. Huttinger writes to ask the Sackners to look at slides and information on Porter’s collection to possibly add to their own archive. Attached is a note from Marvin Sackner that they will pass on the offer.
    • Letter to Mrs. Riva Castleman of MoMA dated 8/4/1991, also regarding slides and information.
    • Letter from Huttinger to Amy Hufnagel with information on photographic enlargements. 1/21/1994.
  4. Anatomy Prints
    • 7/20/1992 letter to Ruth and Marvin Sackner. Information on Porter’s new slides. Sent by PH.
    • Edition documentation sheet for an untitled lithograph.
    • Four photocopies of collages with anatomical figures placed over photographs. Two pages of notes included.
    • Slide label order dated 5/13/1992.
    • 10/25/1991 letter from PH to BP with four photocopied collages (same as previous). PH writes to notify BP about collages as well that MoMA purchased 39 Offenses.
    • Letter from PH to BP 11/14/1991 for info on prints made from the anatomy collages.
  5. Patsfall Graphics, Mark (stock)
    • Price lists for various works of art, the first of which is Porter’s 89 Offenses
    • Two photos of works of art with information on the back. Ringo by Robert Stanly and Maiden by John Wesley.
    • Two copies of one paragraph in The Print Collector’s Newsletter from May-June 1990.
  6. Letters and notes to PH - 1993
    • Two postcards regarding the Porter’s fruit bowls. Postmarked 10/27 and 11/1/1993.
    • Three photographs of Porter’s set up for the refrigerator/cabinet work. ND, envelope postmarked 12/4/1993.
    • Letter from BP to PH, mostly with notes on the fruit bowls. The back shows Porter’s potential plans for the bowls drawn out. 12/1/1993.
    • “101 Ways to Make Love Without Doin’ It” pamphlet with a letter from BP to PH. No date – letter postmarked 11/9/1993.
    • Note to PH from BP on bright pink cardstock.
    • Letter from BP to PH with notes on works of art Porter has that he would like to send to Huttinger, as well as woks he still has. 12/1/1993.
    • Letter postmarked 12/1/1993 with an article on a man who creates art from found objects. Stapled is a note written by Porter.
    • Letter from BP to PH with questions and notes on different projects. ND, postmarked 12/3/1993.
    • A letter full of questions from BP to PH about projects, including the cabinet and fruit bowls. Included are flyers for Belfast Berning as well as a list of Porter’s works an order form.
    • Letter from BP to PH with notes on items that Porter has – gloves, shoes, cut books, various founds, photos, sculpture, etc. Undated
    • Order form for Where to Go, What to Do, When You are Bern Porter by James Schevill.
    • Letter from PH to Francesco Conz in Italy, to whom he sent information on Porter’s work. Included is a postcard from BP to PH postmarked 5/10/1994 with word to rush prices on everything in the collection to Conz.
  7. Contents:
    • Two postcards to Huttinger from Porter
    • Letter from Porter with plans for a work involving sixty-two individual women’s shoes. Also included is a chain letter that originated in England. 7/1/1994.
    • Order form and flyer for Bern Porter Books.
    • Note from Porter to Huttinger dated 2/2/1997. Porter writes to note various things, such as a spring show, the women’s shoes, books and tapes as well as a dream hehad.
    • Postcard from Seth Tisue of Plaster Cramp Press to Huttinger. No date.
    • Letter from Tisue to Huttinger dated 7/6/1993 regarding Porter’s latest book, Less than Overweight.
    • Eighteen postcards postmarked between 1993 and 1994 from Porter.
    • Letter from BP to PH dated 2/6/1994 with notes on some of the items at OSU, including ‘finger founds’ and the refrigerator/cabinet. Ripped paper for Waldo County Soil & Water Conservation District. Photo of a Porter sculpture – head of a man, dated to 1939.
    • Letter from BP to PH dated 12/4. Includes information on food founds and the cabinet/refrigerator.
  8. Contents:
    • Note from BP with photos of collaged images. 10 total images - 7 photos and 3 photocopies.
    • Postcard advertisement for Porter’s biography and Sounds That Arouse Me.
  9. Contents:
    • 9 collages made of cut magazines. No titles or dates. Envelope postmarked 5/26/93.
  10. Contents: --
    • Letter to Huttinger from Dick Higgins, sending drawings of Porter’s. 8/26/1994.
    • Postcard advertisement for Porter’s writings. Front design is one of his own collages (body of woman with man’s chested pasted over her face).
    • Flyer on yellow paper for Porter’s Less Than Overweight.
  11. Contents:
    • Letter from Amy Hufnagel to Huttinger, with receipts from book sales purchased at an opening of Porters. 3/29/1994.
    • Various clippings of machinery layouts as well as images of machinery. Notes by BP attached.
    • Letter from Poets House with information on the 1993 Poetry Publication Showcase.
    • Pages of lists on several types of paper, both handwritten and typed. Lists give particular works and costs.
  12. Contents:
    • Color photo, B&W photo and color neg of bottle poems on a shelf.
    • Handwritten list and receipt of bottle poems sold in 1992.
    • Note from BP to PH discussing the bottle project.
    • Two bills for Volatile from Aufdemkampe hardware co. Dated 3/7 and 5/13/1992.
    • Two cards and four pages with short descriptions of Porter’s bottle poems.
    • Note from BP on back of a green flyer with notes on images of women on the bottle poems.
    • Two bills to Volatile from Andy’s Glass Inc. Dated 3/11 and 6/5/1992.
    • Letter from PH to BP dated 3/11/1992 regarding several of Porter’s works.
    • Original grid and photocopied sheet of design for Porter’s shelved bottle poems.
    • Notes on a Kinko’s business card.
    • Postcard from BP to PH with notes on bottle poems.
    • Letter from PH to BP with notes on labels for bottles as well as the visit of Francesco Conz. Dated 11/19/1992.
    • Note from BP to PH about bottle labels.
    • Postcard from BP to PH and response from PH to BP dated 12/26/1991 and 1/3/1992.
    • Short letter from January at The Contemporary Arts Center dated 3/9.
  13. 89 Offenses(See also box 30.)
    • 8 letters to various people regarding Porter’s 89 Offenses that was enclosed.
    • Two bills to Huttinger from QC Type, Inc. dated 1/18 and 1/21/1991.
    • Invoice from Jones Litho dated 1/21/1991.
    • Invoices from Julius Rigacci and J.B. Doppes Sons Lumber Co. Both dated 3/27/1991.
    • 2/5/1991 letter from BP to PH with various notes on 89 Offenses and ideas for projects and shows.
    • Edition documentation of 89 Offenses with a signature of the printer at bottom. ND
    • Letter from PH to Mark Melnicove regarding prints of 89 Offenses being made. 3/27/1991.
    • Four copies – one original and three photocopies – of 89 Offenses.
    • Postcard from BP to PH with info on copies of 89 Offenses. 2/18/1991.
    • UPS shipping record from Mark Patsfall Graphics to Porter dated 2/8/91.
    • Letter to BP from PH for an enclosed proof of 89 Offenses.
  14. Flag
    • Two photos of a flag designed by Porter, which is red, yellow, black and white. Included is a letter to Barbara Shelton dated 8/2/1991.
    • An envelope with notes involving the flag.
  15. Four Hundred Million…
    • Three paper prints of Four Hundred Million Years of Life.
  16. Last Acts window shade
    • Handwritten list of sales for Last Acts of Saint FuckYou.
    • Accounting list for Last Acts as of 3/10/1992. Two copies of typed list, as well as handwritten copy.
    • Letter to BP from PH dated 11/1990 with info on Last Acts window shades, along with a copy of instructions.
    • Three letters to individuals who were interested in Porter’s window shades.

      a. Letter to Emily Harvey dated 10/3/1990. Response from Harvey dated 5/9/1991 indicates she was interested in the window shades but did not have the funds.

      b. Letter dated 10/2/1990 to Ruth and Marvin Sackner, with a note that they purchased one window shade.

      c. Letter to Michael Lowe dated 10/2/1990 with a note that he purchased two window shades.

    • Letters to individuals who did not purchase Porter’s window shades. Some, however, purchased books. Dates range in October 1990.
    • Letters to potential buyers of Porter’s window shades. The pile has a “?” clipped to it, indicating that they did not respond, or were perhaps unsure on whether or not they wanted Porter’s work. (?)
    • Letters to individuals who received information on Porter as well as book lists.
    • Letter from BP to PH regarding the splitting of funds, as well as minor project information. Postmarked 8/21
    • Letter of 9/17/1990 to PH, giving Porter’s approval of the window shade.
    • Four letters from PH to BP giving information on the shades for Last Acts. Dated August-October 1990.
    • Letter from PH to Xexoxial Endarchy regarding book and audio versions of Last Acts of Saint FuckYou. 10/23/1990.
    • Drafts and a final copy of instructions for the window shade.
  17. Milk Bottle
    • Three letters from PH to BP and one postcard from Porter discussing the plans for milk bottles as a visual poetry project. Dates range from 7/6/1994 – 6/15/1995.
  18. “Nevers”
    • Letter from the Print Collection Newsletter. No date. Letter is faded but includes several of PH’s handwritten notes.
    • A paper cut-out of “Nevers” with notes on enlargement. Envelope dated 1/20/1994.
    • Edition Documentation from Mark Patsfall Graphics, Inc. giving print information.
    • Photocopy of “Nevers” as well as a title and signature draft.
    • Handwritten notes for costs.
    • Packet of binder labels.
  19. Screen Print
    • Edition documentation for an untitled print dated to 1992.
  20. OSU-Volatile stocklists
    • Artists’ books, graphics, multiples, visual poetry and documentation of alternative culture.
    • Copy of “Utter Utter” by John M. Bennett.
    • Brochure for audio art as well as books related to such art.
    • Preparation for Volatile’s brochure on audio art.
    • Postcard from Art Research Center with descriptions of two works by Karen Finley. 1990.
    • Learn Baby Burn, a listing of works for sale by poets. Compiled by Volatile.
    • A second listing from Volatile. Booklet has images of hangman games on the cover as well as names of artists, musicians, actors and well-known individuals.
    • Three letters from Volatile to individuals interested in stock lists from Peter Huttinger.
    • 1999 booklist from Volatile named “Cultural Machine Complex”
    • Books for sale list, which was sent to three locations for the sale of art books.
    • Stock lists for May and August 2000.
  21. Anarchist Art
    • Original and photocopy of an article in The Independent titled, “I posted pebbles to my friends,” which discusses mail art. Dated 1/28/1995.
  22. Bread & Puppet Theater
    • Packet of photocopied photos for puppetry art.
    • Letter/brochure of information on the Bread and Puppet Theater.
  23. Devo
    • Devo booklet
    • Pages of works by authors Jerry Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh and Robert Lewis.
  24. Exit Art
    • Small black booklet titled “The Design Show” by Exit Art. Blank pages.
    • Card to PH from Exit Art/The First World for Wild, held 1/17-3/15/1998. Unable to fully pull out of envelope.
    • Membership information for Exit Art/The First World.
    • Card for 1920 with a nude woman on the front. 3/6 - 4/17/1993.
    • Card for Poverty Pop, which shows two hands with metal objects. Held 11/13/1993 - 1/8/1994.
    • Poster for Public Notice by Exit Art/The First World. 10/4 - 11/30/1997
    • Card for a section of jewelry opening at The Apartment Store by Exit Art.
    • Announcement for Mapping Interior Spaces: Video at the Edge of Millennium, shown 11/17 and 11/19
    • Newsletter from Exit Art/The First World, titled Seed (?)
    • Informational booklet on Exit Art/The First World.
    • Catalogue to PH from Exit Art dated 12/7/1990.
    • Announcement for Fever by Exit Art/The First World held 12/12/1992 - 1/23/1993.




Box 24


Folders 25 through 47
  1. Fend, Peter
    • Two articles on Peter Fend: “Construction and Development” by Jérôme Sans in Arts Magazine 11/1991. And “Thinking Big” by Alan Jones in Arts Magazine 11/1991.
    • “Peter Fend c. 1977. Photo copies, 3 typed sheets and page with notations by hand. Photo copy documentation of above 9/1992.”
  2. Karen Finley
    • Letter from PH to Finley dated 11/2/1989.
    • 26 slides of works by Karen Finley.
    • Letter from Michael Overn (Finley’s manager) to PH dated 7/9/1989.
    • Preparation for descriptions of a book and audio cassette of Finley’s work.
    • Article in The New York Observer dated August 1990. “Finley’s Show is Profound, Not Just Profane” by William Wolf.
    • Photocopied article in Artforum Features 3/1989, titled “Karen Finley’s Poisoned Meatloaf” by Maria Nadotti.
    • Article in the ‘Talent’ section of Maribella titled “Karen Finley” by C. Carr.
    • Article on Finley in the ‘Neighbors’ section of New York Woman by Valerie Frankel.
    • Article in TDR (?) on Karen Finley’s The Constant State of Desire.
    • Folder full of articles and information on Finley.
    • Handwritten notes on a cut-out piece of cardstock.
    • Program for "We Keep our Victims Ready." Kentucky Center for the Arts, 3/24/1990.
    • Program for "We Keep our Victims Ready" at the Wexner Performance Space at OSU.
    • Announcement for "A Woman’s Life Isn’t Worth Much" at Franklin Furnace Gallery 5/18 – 6/16.
    • Announcement for the opening reception for "Feminine Instinct" held 8/3 – 8/27.
  3. Judith Hoffberg
    • Letter from Judith Hoffberg of Umbrella Editions to Volatile, announcing a new book she published. PH’s notes date 5/26/1995.
    • Letter from PH to Hoffberg discussing material of Porter’s. 11/11/1992, along with a letter from Hoffberg dated 8/5/1991.
    • A loan contract and info on an exhibition curated by Judith Hoffberg.
    • Response letter from Hoffberg to Robert Saunders with answers to questions of his.
    • Letter from PH to Hoffberg of 8/5/1991.
    • Letter from PH to Hoffberg dated 10/22/1990.
    • Two issues of Umbrella dated 10/1980 and 12/1990.
    • A flyer for a pot luck dinner celebrating Porter’s 75th birthday, as well as copies of notes, postcards and letters to Hoffberg.
  4. Robert Lowry
    • Flyer with Lowry’s photo and information.
    • Handwritten notes dated 1/30/1995.
    • List of Robert Lowry’s writings from Collector Book and Print Gallery.
    • Half-sheet letter from Significant Books dated 2/27/1993. Crossed out with “NO” written at top.
    • Copy of The Little Man issue 1.
    • Handwritten notes on Littleman Press.
  5. Lydia Lunch
    • Letter to Huttinger from Lunch enclosing her press kit. Included are several bits of information as well as articles on Lunch.
  6. Negativland
    • Two postcard announcements for Negativland.
    • Negativland catalogue for Negativland produced CDs. Cartoon images on front and back.
    • Email between Huttinger and Mark of Negativland dated 4/8/1998. Huttinger is curious about the availability of particular records.
    • Rolling Stone page with a piece on Negativland’s Dispepsi album. Dated 10/16/1997.
    • Pages 507 and 508 copied from a book. “Pastels” handwritten at top.
    • Negativland discography list printed from their website.
    • Card from McCall’s Great American Recipe Card Collection
    • Newspaper for negativmailorderland.
  7. Oliveros Foundation (Pauline)
    • Deep Listening – composers catalog of works – 1993.
    • Pauline Oliveros Foundation Inc. brochure.
    • Brochure for the Fourth Annual Deep Listening Retreat with Pauline Oliveros.
    • Brochure for Women’s Mysteries programs.
    • Booklet from the Brooklyn Academy of Music for various productions and plays.
  8. Plug In, Inc.
    • Plug In news release for Beck & Al Hansen: Playing with Matches.
    • Flyer/announcement for Beck & Al Hansen: Playing with Matches. Held 11/19 – 12/23/1998.
    • Announcement for Memories of Overdevelopment: Philippine Diaspora in Contemporary Art. 7/28 – 9/13/1997.
    • Booklet for models by Charlie Scott by the Manitoba Studio Series.
    • Card for I Love Juicy, installation juice bar at Plug In Art.
    • Postcard announcement to Huttinger for Rudolf Schwarzkogler/Pierre Molinier from the archive of Francesco Conz. Booklets included for both artists.
    • Festival du Voyeur newspaper. Advertises the Queer Culture Festival of 1993, held in Winnipeg from 1/22 - 3/6/1993.
  9. RAW
    • Newspaper article from Voice dated 6/4/1995. “The RAW Generation” discusses the comic works of Françoise Mouly and Art Spiegelman.
  10. Slop Art
    • Super Market Fine Art Products advertisement for works of art. Similar in style to a store advertisement.
  11. SRL
    • Letter from PH to Mark Pauline of Survival Research Laboratories dated 8/15/1990. Huttinger comments on an Artpark show being cancelled as well as purchasing copies of posters and tapes for the cancelled show. Note at the top reads, “11-7-90 Amy Will Call.”
    • Letter from Kate Curry (?) of SRL, noting that Mark Pauline is out of town and will not be able to send Huttinger his requested items. Dated 9/13/1990.
    • Correspondences between Huttinger and Pauline dated 9/28 – 12/4/1989 regarding printed posters and press kits for said show.
    • Newsletter with paragraphs such as, “haters,” “The return of K2,” and “Beyond Berkeley by A.M.K.”
    • SRL information updated. Includes info on the performance by SRL at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Also includes an order form for video of performance.
    • Negative Trend booklet listing of audio tapes. Addressed to Brent Riley.
    • Email from SRL for information on their performance in San Francisco. Dated 5/23/1994.
    • Letter from Huttinger to Pauline dated 8/22/1994 regarding interest in purchasing objects related to performance events.
    • Order form from SRL.
  12. --
    • Nom de Plumes Artistamps by Patricia Tavenner, with photocopies of various stamp sheets by the artist.
    • Order form for mail art.
    • Photocopied front page of Mail Order Art volume 1 issue 3 dated to 1972.
    • Postcard to Huttinger postmarked 1994. Front image is a photocopied photograph circa 19th-early 20th century.
    • Two correspondences from Patricia Tavenner dated 9/19/1994.
  13. --
    • Image of Adam and Eve with an apple in hand, seated in the Garden of Eden. Page torn from book.
    • Same image enlarged and in red.
    • Copy of Learn Baby Burn with information from Volatile on reverse side.
  14. Volatile Booklists 1990-1993
    • Stocklists of Volatile books.
  15. Moore, Bob
    • Handwritten note with Bob Moore’s contact info.
    • Letter from Bob Moore dated 10/9/1995 along with issue of Corona Mundi.
  16. Multiple Strategies
    • Postcard announcement for Contemporary Fridays’ Susan Unterberg: A Retrospective and Multiple Strategies.
    • The Multiple Strategies Issue of Magazine from summer 2005.
  17. White Walls
    • Letter for WhiteWalls journal of Language and Art.
  18. Whitman, Robert
    • Sounds for 4 Cinema Pieces from the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.
  19. Zedd, Nick
    • Letter from Zedd to Huttinger on dealer discounts for Zedd’s films.
    • Order film for Why do you Exist by Nick Zedd.
    • Booklets with a page for each of Zedd’s films.
    • 6/2/1998 letter to Zedd from Huttinger with a request for film lists to be purchased for resale.
    • Video catalog for the films of Nick Zedd.
  20. Agius, Juan J – Books and Magazines
    • Three lists of books and multiples by Agius. One addressed to John M. Bennett, the others addressed to Huttinger at Volatile.
  21. Bound & Unbound
    • Booklet for Wooster Enterprises. Includes lists of mass produced stationary items by George Maciunas, Jaime Davidovich and Judith Henry.
    • Booklet of Reflux Editions with a mail order list of works.
    • Bound & Unbound list of performances c. 1991.
    • Bound & Unbound list titled, “What I did on my Summer Vacation.”
    • Informational flyer for The World of Charlotte Moorman: Archive Catalogue. In conjunction with the exhibition held 3/28 – 6/30/2000.
    • Bound & Unbound lists for Artists Books 99.
  22. Film Culture
    • Special offer brochure for 13 prints of artists and photographers.
    • An index to “Film Culture” and Anthology Film Archives.
  23. Film Threat
    • Letter to PH from David Williams of Film Threat Video Guide, undated.
    • Issue 8 of Film Threat Video Guide, 1993.




Box 25


Folders 48 through 59
  1. FLAMM
    • FLAMM Books’ Special Spring Selections Supplement #1, Spring 2001.
    • FLAMM Books’ Holiday Selections Supplement #2, Winter 2001.
    • FLAMM Books’ Catalogs: #4, Fall 2000; #3, Spring 2000 (2 copies); #2, Fall 1999 (2 copies); #1 (2 copies)
  2. Franklin Furnace
    • Short 1 page history of Franklin Furnace
    • Artist Book Collection information and collection policy.
    • The Future of the Present poster, addressed to Huttinger
    • History of the Future booklet
  3. Galerie A.
    • Multiples, et cetera Price-List for 6/1992
  4. Left Bank
    • Left Bank Distribution title update for Autumn 1998
    • Left Bank Book Collective 1998 Catalog, with notification of Left Bank’s move to new location
  5. Lure
    • List of Music and Performance Multiples
    • 3 copies of price listings on different colored paper.
    • Two letters to Huttinger from Molly Hankwitz regarding Huttinger’s interest in a book.
    • Two Lure catalogues with photos of women on the front and back covers.
    • Letter from Harry Rhué regarding Huttinger’s offer to send items overseas. 3/25/1992.
    • Information on the Ian Hamilton Finlay Collection
    • Two letters from Hankwitz listing works of art Huttinger is interested in.
    • Two letters to Hankwitz from Huttinger regarding invoices.
  6. Nexus Press Books
    • General pamphlet with prices and information
    • Postcard with a work by Brad Brace
    • Flyer for Implementing Architecture book
    • Mail announcement for Irene Ledwith’s The Dog Bite
    • Information pamphlet on Nexus Press Residency Program 1989
    • Mail announcement for Dominion by Andrew Forster
    • Postcard that reads, “Just say NO to Nancy”
    • Mail announcement for Pat Courtney’s Per-sist-ent Ster-e-o-types book.
    • Mail announcement for Ellen Banks’ book Maple Leaf Rag
    • Mail announcement for Karen Chance’s Parallax
    • Mail announcement for Janie Geiser’s The Tornado Treaty
    • Postcard for Fierce Power Bad Fate
    • Mail announcement for Michael Klauke’s book Ad Infinitum
    • Flyer for Telfer Stokes’ DESIRE The Collective Unconscious (2)
    • Postcard that reads, “A kinder, gentler nationalism
    • Mail announcement for Joni Mabe’s Museum Book.
    • Flyer for Warwik Mountain Series – Photographs by Philip Perkis
    • Flyer for Bobby by Keith A. Smith.
  7. Misc.
    • Order form and announcement for Generator 10. A letter from John M. Bennett regarding the glass issue of Generator in OSU’s collection.
    • Winter 2000-Spring 2001 issue of Twin Palms Publishers.
    • Advertisement for Song of the Thrush by Telfer Stokes in the form of a booklet titled “Tall Stories”
    • Artware Audio cataglogue for Winter/Spring 1995. Included are an order form and various small, photocopied paper fliers for different artists.
    • Mailed advertisement to Volatile from the Women’s Studio Workshop.
    • Women’s Studio Workshop 1994 catalog of handmade artists’ books.
    • Price listings and postcard for Lovely Music Ltd.’s CD releases for 1991-1992.
    • Catalogue for German artist’s books and visual/concrete poetry.
  8. Misc.
    • AK Distribution – 1996 catalogue
    • Amok books catalogues: Amok Books 1990, Amok Books 1991, and Amok Books 1992 (2 copies)
    • Global Mail – the hole to the underground
  9. Misc.
    • Distributed Art Publishers – D.A.P. catalogue
    • First Run/Icarus Films 1995 catalogue
    • Art Books Only’s Catalog 45 – Miscellany
  10. Misc – Contemporary Arts Press
    • 12/18/1990 letter to Huttinger from M. Normal regarding PH’s interest in Correspondence Art.
    • CAPD – Contemporary Arts Press Distribution/Update Fall 1990.
    • Art Com – New Art & Cyberculture on VHS Cassettes/ Fall 1990 update.
    • Performance Anthology: Source Book of California Performance Art flyer
    • Art Com catalog 1994.
    • CAPD catalog fall 1990
  11. Misc.
    • Three Marcus Campbell St. James’s Art Books catalogs.
    • Letter from Petra Schilcher Galerie & Edition Artelier dated 7/7/1992. Included is a catalog.
  12. Misc.
    • Postcard for Swing!
    • Nexus Press 2000 and Beyond booklet.
    • Letter from Laurie Winter of the Hirsch Farm Project along with a list of books available for purchase. 5/12/1999
    • Information on the project Tt and order form from the Hirsch Foundation




Box 26


Folders 60 through 75
  1. Nonsequitur Foundation
    • Postcard to Huttinger from Nonsequitur noting that they will not be selling CDs under a particular label.
    • Small catalogs from Nonsequitur: 1993/1994, Winter 1993/1994, and Winter 1995
    • Mid-year catalog supplement
    • Miscellaneous postcards and pamphlets from The Aerial/What Next? Included is one titled “Sounds for the Fearless Listener,” with a letter from Steve of the Nonsequitur Foundation. Letter is on the back of an insurance form.
    • Booklet for Alison Knowles’ Frijoles Canyon
  2. Parkett
    • Mini-book with order form for Parkett Magazine
    • Information booklet with examples of artists’ work from Parkett.
  3. Plagiarist Press
    • Card with the words, “AIDS Despite Art” and Stephen Perkins’ watermark.
    • Flyer for Plagiarist Press with a note from (?) to PH dated 3/17/1997.
  4. Printed Editions
    • Fall/Winter catalog 1979-1980
  5. Printed Matter
    • Invoice for Printed Matter Bookstore at DIA
    • Info on AA Bronson’s book, Negative Thoughts.
    • 1997, 1998 and 1999 Printed Matter holiday flyers.
    • Spring 1999 flyer
    • A selection of titles from Printed Matter. Letter dated 5/3/2000.
    • “Title Selection for the Next Word”
    • Card for Rodney Graham, Works 1983-1998
    • Exhibition announcement for Meg Cranston’s Artist for President & Good Morning Evil Genius, held 10/30 - 11/30/1999.
    • Flyers for Artist’s Publications and Editions Fair held 11/5 – 11/8/1998 and 11/4 - 11/7/1999.
    • Announcement for Dawn of the Dead/Law of the Land
    • Announcement for 100 German Men by Mary Ellen Carroll.
    • Postcard for Sonic Matters, Sonic Kollaborations
    • Flyer for Sonic Matters, Sonic Kollaborations
    • Invitation to the opening of The Art Store as well as the celebration of Printed Matter, Inc.
  6. Printed Matter, cont.
    • 9/28/1989 wholesale discount flyer for Printed Matter Bookstore at DIA.
    • Card and letters from Cynthia Chris at Printed Matter bookstore at DIA. Dated 5/12, 5/28 and 6/4/1992.
    • Postcard announcement from March 1993 for the collaboration of Felix Gonzalez-Torres and Christopher Wool.
    • Letter and postcard dated April 1993 announcing the work of Barbara Bloom.
    • Printed Matter bookstore at DIA Artists’ Books for the Holiday. A note in the corner states that items were ordered 12/8/1993.
    • Listing of works for sale through Printed Matter by Claes Oldenburg.
    • Postcard for Todd Ayoung’s window installation, Balls of History dated Nov-Dec 1994.
    • List of available works through Printed Matter. Undated list, works dated 1986-1994.
    • Printed Matter’s list of book launchings for May, June and July.
    • List of special edition books and multiples from Printed Matter. Undated list, works range from 1969-1994.
    • Flyer for donations from the collection of Jon Hendricks.
    • Flyer for Christopher Wool’s Absent Without Leave available at Printed Matter.
    • List of videotapes for purchase.
    • New and classic titles available for July 1994.
    • 1/15(??) letter to Peter Huttinger from Laurie at Printed Matter.
    • Undated (postmarked 2/11/1995) letter with a listing of works available.
    • 1/25/1995 list of works available from Printed Matter. Attached is a list from 12/15/1994.
    • 8/1995 list of selected titles by Dick Higgins.
    • 11/1995 list – Fiction? Non-fiction? A Selection of French Artists’ Books.
    • 1995 Holiday list from Printed Matters.
    • 1/24/1996 List of books and multiples by Richard Tuttle available from Printed Matter.
    • 2/14/1996 list of works from the 1970s and 1980s, including Michael Leaman’s Reakton
    • A survey of artists’ books by women: the 1980s.
    • Printed Matter 1996 holiday flyer.
    • Notecard Postcard for Galeri Gulp at Printed Matter. 1997
    • Booklet titled “Summer Reading” by Kirby Gookin. 1997
    • Two fall flyers from 1997, each with different handwritten notes.
    • 6/25/1998 fax from Volatile to David Platzker, regarding a book fair at Printed Matter.
    • Spring 1998 Printed Matter flyer
    • Fall 1998 Printed Matter flyer
    • The Next Word: Text and/as Image and/as Design and/as Meaning dated 8/8/1998.
    • Printed Matter’s 10/2/1998 announcement for a book launch for two artists’ publications. Storm Riders by Dick Higgins and To and To by Jeremy Sigler.
    • Flyer for Artists’ Books ‘98/Editions ’98, which took place 11/5 – 11/8/98.
    • Fax from Schumann to Huttinger regarding video and computer lists for available items to purchase at a discount. 11/20/1999.
    • 3/14/2000 letter from Max Schumann announcing the selection of books from the Estate of Dick Higgins.
    • Flyer for Pete Townsend’s commissioned work, The Lifehouse Method by Alex Templeton. A second flyer is included for The Lifehouse Method at Printed Matter. Dated March 2000.
  7. RE/Search
    • Three postcards from Re/Search to Peter Huttinger.
    • Two issues of RE/Search Publications, along with one issue (1993) of the RE/Search catalog.
    • A RE/Search pamphlet for listings and prices of Re/Search issues.
    • Flyer for Incredibly Strange Music vol. 1 & 2. Dated March and June 1994.
    • Two postcards of RE/Search: Guide to Bodily Fluids by Paul Spinrad. One addressed to Huttinger.
    • Flyer with title, “Test your Bodily Fluids IQ” advertising Paul Spinrad’s new book.
    • Flyer with information on RE/Search’s new address and new distributor.
    • Letter dated 11/21/1994 addressed to PH from Andrea Juno and V. Vale of RE/Search. The letter informs Huttinger of upcoming changes at RE/Search.
    • Flyer for The RE/Search Guide To Bodily Fluids: Everything Your Mother Wouldn’t Let You Talk About.
    • 1994 catalog for RE/Search publications.
  8. STAECK
    • 9 Edition Staeck booklets
  9. Sub Terranean Co.
    • Flyer from Open Hand Publishing Co. for spring titles, Triumph over Marcos and Women of the Wild West.
    • Spring/Summer 1995 order form (?) from Subterranean Company.
    • Food First Books catalog 1995.
    • Subterranean Company catalog spring/summer 1995.
    • Subterranean Company catalog, undated.
    • Subterranean Distribution listing of audio and video material for sale from various companies.
    • List of price changes dated 1/19/1991.
    • Short, one-page Subterranean Records listing of audio material for sale.
    • Photocopied pages of both handwritten and typed material. “New @ Sub” dated 7/17/1990.
  10. Tellus Harvestworks
    • Brochure for Harvestworks Digital Media Arts 1998 Artist-in-residence program and Tellus Catalog.
    • Harvestworks catalog, undated.
    • Brochure/order form for Tellus: The Audio Cassette Magazine.
    • Booklet for Tellus #25: Site-Less Sounds.
    • Letter from Susan Kruglinski, Program Coordinator to Volatile. Dated 2/13/1992.
    • Letter to PH from Carol Parkinson, Director of Harvestworks, with a description of a particular Tellus project. Dated 12/14/1993.
      • Booklet for Tellus: The Audio Magazine Series of Experimental and Innovative Sound.
      • Image for Tullus’ Limited Edition Project, including a bag by Lawrence Weiner.
      • Flyer for The Human Voice, cassette and LP service.
    • Visual Studies Workshop
      • Visual Studies Workshop Press artists’ books catalog.
      • New titles for Visual Studies Workshop Press 1996.
      • Visual Studies Workshop Summer Institute brochure. Workshops held June 29- August 7, 1992.
      • Visual Studies Workshop informational brochure.
      • Visual Studies Workshop Press Artists’ Books – Fall 1991/Winter 1992.
      • Bibliography of titles printed/published since 1972 by Visiual Studies Workshop Press.
      • Visual Studies Workshop Press Artists’ Books 1993-1994.
    • Westreich, Thea
      • Booklet for Artist’s Books & Limited Editions.
      • Flyer with three images shown: Los Alamos, Wisconsin, and Kitt Peak.
    • Wiens Laden and Verlag
      • Two catalogs – 1992 & 1993 – from Wiens Laden and Verlag. Included is a letter from Barbara Wien to PH dated 7/2/1993.
    • Women’s Studio Workshop
      • Brochure for Visual Studies Workshop Press Artist’s Books.
      • Three Women’s Studio Workshop Artist’s Books catalogs/booklets.
    • Xexoxial Endarchy
      • Flyer for Novel Approach: A Coincidental Mailart Assemblage. Backside includes “Xerolage Update”
      • Two smaller sheets of paper. One includes books and tapes by Miekal And and/or Elizabeth Was available through Xexoxial Endarchy. Second sheet lists new/old offerings by Bern Porter.
      • Xexoxial Endarchy 1990-1991 catalogue.
      • Letter from Miekal And of Xexoxial Endarchy\
    • Zing magazine
      • Three postcards from Zing magazine. Dated 1997-1998.




Box 27-28


Folders 1 through 7
  1. Modern Art
    • Catalogue 83
    • Catalogue 84
    • Catalogue 98 part 1
    • Catalogue 98 part 2
    • Catalogue 101
  2. Contemporary Art
    • Catalogue 97 part 1
    • Catalogue 97 part 2
  3. Art, Architecture and Archaeology Sets and Periodicals
    • Catalogue 76
    • Catalogue 90
    • Catalogue 107
    • Catalogue 113
  4. American Art
    • Catalogue 80
    • Catalogue 104
  5. American Art of the 20th Century
    • Catalogue 110
  6. 20th Century Art
    • Catalogue 89
  7. Cobra 1948-1998




Box 29


Folders 1 through 17
  1. 16 Printed Matter booklets
  2. 2 Printed Matter Catalogues and 1 Printed Matter New Titles Flyer.
  3. Fine Arts catalogue, black cover
  4. Documentation & Artists Books Catalogue
  5. Sims Reed catalogue; Avant Garde : Contemporary : Italian Futurism
  6. Illustrated Books Sims Reed catalogue
  7. Illustrated Books Sims Reed catalogue
  8. Sims Reed Modern Art catalogue – 1996
  9. On Art and Artists 1992. Video Data Bank
  10. Video Data Bank 88/89 listings supplement
  11. Video Data Bank Video Tape Review 1986, along with a pamphlet on Video Against AIDS
  12. 2 copies of VDB Independent Video Alternative Media 1996 Catalogue
  13. VDB Independent Video Alternative Media 1998 New Listings
  14. Loompanics 1995 catalogue
  15. Loompanics 1997 catalogue
  16. 11 copies of City Lights catalogues
  17. 15 booklets and catalogues for Art Metropole




Box 30

  • "The 89 offenses I committed," with negative used to create the header
  • poster for the Biola University International Mail Art Show, 1990




Page last revised: January 14, 2015

BACK TO TOP
Return to menu of finding aids.