The Story of Andy Warhol and Sunday B. Morning

Explore the collaboration between Sunday B. Morning and Andy Warhol, and what makes the iconic prints so remarkable.....

The name "Sunday B. Morning" has an elusive origin, with speculation suggesting it might have roots in "Sunday Belgian Morning," although concrete evidence is lacking. What is certain is its intriguing collaboration with the iconic pop artist Andy Warhol in 1970, following his groundbreaking "Factory Editions" featuring Marilyn Monroe, flowers, and Campbell's Soup Cans. Warhol, a master of challenging conventional artistic norms, embarked on this partnership with two anonymous associates from Belgium, aiming to further explore the concept of mass production in art.

Central to Warhol's ethos was his commentary on mass production's impact on modern culture, a theme deeply ingrained in his art. The collaboration with the Belgian partners introduced a new dimension to this exploration. The concept was simple yet profound: by creating prints identical to his famous Factory Editions and inviting individuals to sign them with any name they chose, Warhol was making a statement about the democratization of art. In essence, he was saying, "Your signature is as important as mine. Mass-produced prints deserve the same recognition as individually crafted artworks."

The partnership initially seemed promising, with the Belgian collaborators meticulously replicating Warhol's techniques and attention to detail. They produced editions of 250 prints each featuring Marilyn, flowers, and Campbell's Soup Cans, staying true to the aesthetic and quality of Warhol's originals. However, the relationship between Warhol and his Belgian partners eventually soured, shrouding the details of their falling out in mystery. Speculation suggests that Warhol may have reconsidered the impact of this collaboration on the market for his prized Factory Editions, but the exact reasons remain unknown.

Despite the rift between Warhol and the Belgians, the production of Sunday B. Morning prints continued unabated. The Belgian print shop retained the photo negatives and colour codes provided by Warhol, enabling them to maintain the authenticity and fidelity of the prints. Over the years, ownership of Sunday B. Morning changed hands, but the commitment to preserving the integrity of the prints remained unwavering.

Numerous attempts have been made by other publishers to replicate Sunday B. Morning prints, but none have come close to matching the authenticity and quality of the originals. This is due to the exclusive access that Sunday B. Morning retains to the essential tools and materials provided by Andy Warhol himself. Despite any regrets or reservations, Warhol may have had about the collaboration, he inadvertently bestowed upon the Belgians the means to perpetuate his legacy through their faithful reproduction of his iconic works.