Schubertiade :: [Literature & Art] [Thomas, Dylan. (1914 - 1953)] McKenna, Rollie. (1918

[Literature & Art] [Thomas, Dylan. (1914 - 1953)] McKenna, Rollie. (1918 - 2003)

DYLAN THOMAS - Exhibition Photograph

Large exhibition photograph printed personally by the photographer, silver print, half length, in profile facing right, right hand raised with a pencil between his index finger and thumb, a cigarette in his mouth, photographer's stamps to the verso with her address (1 Hancox Street, Stonington, CT, USA), signed in pencil "Rollie McKenna" lower right recto of print, hinged to the photographer's original mount, signed again in pencil lower right, "Rollie McKenna." Size of image c. 11 x 14 inches (27.5 x 35 cm), overall size 16 x 20 inches (40.5 x 50 cm). Taken in New York, 1953 (printed later). In fine condition, a few light abrasions to the print, some scuffs and nicks to the mount.

This famous photograph was taken in 1953 when Thomas was perfecting and performing his 'looney-maybe-play', "Under Milk Wood," with five performers and Dylan taking the fifty-four parts. As Rollie McKenna photographed him, he admonished the others to 'love the words...Love the words'. Dylan was extremely unwell, one moment a 'disorientated hulk', the next 'a driving, inspiring teacher.' (10395)

Signed Photograph Literature