Le Langage des fleurs

Here's another limited edition published in France. 'Le langage des fleurs' was published by Michel Cassé of Paris in 1975. A longtime associate of Searle's, Cassé has collaborated with the artist on several lithographic print projects.



With 'Le langage des fleurs' Searle illustrates French slang words.

Punch part 2: French Theatre

Here's a rare edition for Searle fans. 'Le Theatre a Paris' is a limited edition catalogue published by Galerie Martine Gossieaux in Paris. It's release coincided with an exhibition in 2000 of caricatures of Parisian stage actors made between 1954 & 1962.



The drawings were originally published in British satirical journal Punch as illustrations for the regular Theatrical review column.







Madame Gossieaux tracked down all the contemporary posters for each show which are reproduced opposite the relevant Searle drawing.






The book was published in a limited print run of only 500 copies. It's beautifully produced on thick, fine quality paper but at 90 euros is perhaps only for Searle completists. It's available from Galerie Martine Gossieaux. The gallery specializes in exhibitions of drawings & represents some of the best French dessinateurs including Sempé & André François.


Here's one not in the book. Pierre Bertin in 'La Vie Parisienne' by Jacques Offenbach, 1959.






Design for 'Punch': La Cerisaie, Théâtre Marigny, Paris
signed, inscribed and dated 'Dessin pour Punch/.Londres/Ronald Searle 1954/Paris' (lower right) and further inscribed 'La Cerisaie Marigny Theatre -/Lopakine...M. Jean Desailly/Madame Ranievski...Mlle Madeleine/Renaud/Gaiév....M. Pierre Bertin.' (upper right)
pen and brown ink
13 x 15 in. (33 x 38 cm.)