Prints
by Berdine Ardrey
In the late 1950s, when he was traveling in South Africa, Robert Ardrey met Berdine Grunewald, a leading actress in the Afrikaans theatre. The two fell in love, and were married in 1960.
Berdine Ardrey (1914-1994) was a classically-trained actress and a self-taught artist. While she was living with Robert Ardrey in Trastevere, Rome, she composed illustrations for three of his groundbreaking books on the science of human origins: African Genesis, The Territorial Imperative, and The Social Contract.
The illustrations, which have been delighting readers since the initial publications, are now available in limited-edition letterpress prints.
In Evolution’s Attic
In Evolution’s Attic collects the most enduring images and words of Berdine and Robert Ardrey in a limited fine press edition of 50 copies. Each image has been fully restored and printed on letterpress, giving definition to the elegant detail of the artist’s hand. Wrapped in antique green buckram cloth over boards, each volume was bound by hand at the North Bennet Street School, Boston’s oldest trade school, under the supervision of master bookbinder Jeff Altepeter.
Lioness
Berdine Ardrey (1914-1994) created a series of widely admired illustrations for three groundbreaking books on animal and human behavior by her husband Robert Ardrey. 14×10″ Letterpress printed on Rives BFK White Paper. Lioness is drawn from the Berdine Ardrey Collection.
Peacock & Turtle
Berdine Ardrey (1914-1994) created a series of widely admired illustrations for three groundbreaking books on animal and human behavior by her husband Robert Ardrey. 14×10″ Letterpress printed on Rives BFK White Paper. Peacock & Turtle is drawn from the Berdine Ardrey Collection.
Smoking Ape
Berdine Ardrey (1914-1994) created a series of widely admired illustrations for three groundbreaking books on animal and human behavior by her husband Robert Ardrey. 14×10″ Letterpress printed on Rives BFK White Paper. Smoking Ape is drawn from the Berdine Ardrey Collection.
Zebras
Berdine Ardrey (1914-1994) created a series of widely admired illustrations for three groundbreaking books on animal and human behavior by her husband Robert Ardrey. 14×10″ Letterpress printed on Rives BFK White Paper. Zebras is drawn from the Berdine Ardrey Collection.
Howling Ape
Berdine Ardrey (1914-1994) created a series of widely admired illustrations for three groundbreaking books on animal and human behavior by her husband Robert Ardrey. 14×10″ Letterpress printed on Rives BFK White Paper. Howling Ape is drawn from the Berdine Ardrey Collection.
The Berdine Ardrey Collection
All 5 Classic Prints, including Zebras, Peacock & Turtle, Smoking Ape, Lioness, and Howling Ape
Berdine Ardrey (1914-1994) created a series of widely admired illustrations for three groundbreaking books on animal and human behavior by her husband Robert Ardrey. 14×10″ Letterpress printed on Rives BFK White Paper.