Kenneth Anger

Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome Production Stills [with] Kenneth Anger inscription to Jonas Mekas

Manila folder labeled in the hand of Jonas Mekas “Anger photos,” containing 17 black and white silver gelatin production stills from Anger’s film Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, originally housed inside folded sheet of paper with writing in the hand of Kenneth Anger, “For Anthology – these production stills taken during the filming of ‘Pleasure Dome’ (the negatives recently re-discovered after being ‘lost’ for 20 years) Kenneth Anger March 22 ‘76”. 8 x 10 in. 1976 prints from 1954 negatives. Also includes original mailing envelope addressed to Jonas Mekas c/o Anthology from Kenneth Anger. Postmarked March 22, 1976. 9 x 11 1⁄2 in. Near fine. Item #5938

Exceedingly rare production stills and behind-the-scenes photographs from Kenneth Anger’s Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome, sent from Anger to Jonas Mekas.

Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome is a 38 minute short film shot in 1954 directed by Kenneth Anger, starring Samson de Brier, Cameron, Anaïs Nin, Curtis Harrington, Anger, and others. This collection of seventeen behind-the-scenes photographs from the making of the film were printed from negatives that Anger discovered in 1976, previously thinking they were irrevocably lost.

The stills display the collaborative and intimate energy on the small set, encompassing largely shots of the actors and crew at work, with a few staged photographs. Directly inspired by Aleister Crowley’s concept of a ritual and party where attendees embody various gods and goddesses, Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome remains one of Anger’s most beloved works.

Sold