Original Peter Beard Artworks and Photography

THE MOST POIGNANT ARE THE ONES OF DECOMPOSING ELEPHANTS WHERE, OVER TIME, AS THEY DISINTEGRATE, THE BONES FORM MAGNIFICENT SCULPTURE-SCULPTURE WHICH IS NOT JUST ABSTRACT FORM BUT HAS ALL THE MEMORY TRACES OF LIFE, DESPAIR AND FUTILITY.

(FRANCIS BACON ON PETER BEARD'S PHOTOGRAPHY)

Peter Beard (1938 – 2020) was an American artist, photographer, and writer known for his distinctive style blending photography and collage, capturing the essence of African wildlife and culture. Born on January 22, 1938, in New York City, Beard developed a fascination with nature and wildlife early on, which would shape his artistic endeavours. He studied art history at Yale University, where he began experimenting with photography, focusing on documenting the raw beauty of African landscapes and wildlife during his travels.

Beard's work gained international acclaim for its unique blend of artistry and activism, shedding light on pressing environmental issues facing Africa, such as poaching and habitat destruction. He often collaborated with renowned figures, including Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen), author of "Out of Africa." Beard's collages, incorporating various materials like diaries, maps, and even his own blood, created multi-dimensional pieces that told compelling stories of his experiences.

Throughout his career, Beard remained a passionate advocate for environmental conservation, inspiring countless individuals to take action to protect the planet's precious ecosystems. His untimely passing in 2020 marked the end of an era in the worlds of photography and conservation, but his legacy lives on through his timeless artworks, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving our natural heritage for future generations.

One of my favourite artists, I regularly have original Peter Beard artworks for sale, collages and first edition books and original photography. His life was as fascinating as his art and it is always a delight to have original Peter Beard photographs for sale! There is no artist like Peter Beard

(Oliver Bayliss, owner and founder of Bayliss Rare Books)