re: Report: graphic artist David Edward Byrd has died
Posted by: RonnieWeho 03:37 pm EST 02/04/25
In reply to: Report: graphic artist David Edward Byrd has died - TimDunleavy 11:28 am EST 02/04/25

What a kind and incredibly talented person he was! And FOLLIES is the greatest theatre poster ever [IMHO].

As a very young producer, my Broadway partner asked me who I wanted to do our poster--I said Byrd and he laughed and said David would be far too expensive. So I said: "let me (the neophyte) approach him." Generous as could be, David agreed to do the incredible poster for AT WIT'S END [the Oscar Levant one-man show I conceived for brilliant pianist Stan Freeman] at a ridiculously low fee.

We talked about using hands on a keyboard, with a cigarette in one hand billowing smoke leading into the title above. It was gorgeous! But: I noticed there was one detail that should be added: The engraved wristwatch was missing, that George Gershwin had given to Oscar, and which was an important reference through out the show. David was so enthused about adding the watch in on the hand that held the cigarette. Perfection!

David was always so nice in remembering me in our encounters in the 35 years since the poster [including last year when I went to his book signing for his fantastic new book].

A true gentleman and a unique artist; he will truly be sorely missed by those who knew him and those who loved his astonishing work.
reply

Previous: Report: graphic artist David Edward Byrd has died - TimDunleavy 11:28 am EST 02/04/25
Next: The Rink: Has there been a major revival? - Zelgo 11:22 am EST 02/04/25
Thread:


    Time to render: 0.015700 seconds.