Committee of General Security

ArtistDesigned/Sent by Ian Hamilton Finlay (Nassau, Bahamas, 1925 - 2006)

RecipientReceived by Joyce Laing (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1939 - 2022)

PrinterPrinted by Wild Hawthorn Press (founded 1961)

Date1988

Object NameCard

Mediumcard, ink

ClassificationsPrints

Dimensions10.1 x 14.8cm

AcquisitionPresented in 2010 by Joyce Laing OBE.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG017514

About MeCard designed by Ian Hamilton Finlay and printed on one side (like a postcard) by the Wild Hawthorn Press. On the reverse of the card is Joyce Laing's address, written in Ian Hamilton Finlay's handwriting, and an 18p stamp postmarked 13 June 1988. It features the following text under the title:

The case of the intellectual terrorist Michel Blum, representing the Ligue des Droits de l'Homme, is to be referred to the Committee of General Security, Little Sparta. Under consideration is Blum's relationship with the concept of force, his fascination with Nazi symbolism, the ambiguity of his position in respect of racism. Citizens wishing to offer evidence for or against Blum should write to Little Sparta, Dunsyre, Lanark, Scotland. May 1988.

This work is part of an archive that belonged to Joyce Laing, OBE. The artist, Ian Hamilton Finlay, was a personal friend and sent her an example of each new poem print and multiple as it was made.