The Ant Chelsea

Description

THE ANT | CHELSEA | LONDON 1973 (photo Arthur Steel) Anthony Paul Fawcett is a British writer, art critic, and a former personal assistant to John Lennon and Yoko Ono from 1968 until 1970.

‘If you’re a millionaire pop idol, he’s your friend. Photographer Arthur Steel and I had been granted admission to The Kingdom of The Ant, an ex-public-school boy and Oxford fine arts graduate. He’s a wildly eccentric creature, real name Anthony Fawcett, a minor genius and a master manipulator. He is immensely likeable, and has a computer-like memory, a profound knowledge of art and, a well-schooled nose for fine wines. These skills have brought him distinction as a professional companion of pop stars. His services are highly specialised – and staggeringly expensive.

The Ant began his career in 1968, when he joined John Lennon at Apple, the Beatles’ company, as art adviser. He was soon promoted to personal assistant to Lennon.

After some Tea, The Ant is pictured sipping Champagne from a chalice, whilst his left hand slips into his partners jeans.

The bear skin is part of the rather bizarre furnishings of the magnificent Chelsea flat the Ant had rented as a hideout for David Cassidy. David preferred his hotel. The Ant had worked brilliantly for Cassidy on the pop star’s first European tour. He provided the over-protected young man with a first-hand look at life. And he made David laugh. The people around Cassidy did not laugh. As spectacular bills for vintage wine began to pour in, they wept tears of rage.

After our interview The Ant shook our hands warmly, I counted my fingers, and instructed Arthur to count his cameras. The Ant shrieked with laughter, and kissed his girlfriend, who had just found some champagne. Outside, in the sunlight, I stared at Arthur, and he stared back. Neither of us was entirely sure if any of it had really happened.’ – Words by Bob Hart.

All prints are hand signed limited editions, no further prints are produced once sold.
60″ inch prints / edition of 5
50″ inch prints / edition of 10
40″ inch prints / edition of 20
30″ inch prints / edition of 30
20″ inch prints / edition of 50
12″ inch prints / edition of 50