The Mighty Archive

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Charlie White's 177 Feet


A student art film made by Robert Merchasin in 1966 that includes the installation of Charlie's notorious big headed self promotion billboard, intercut with scenes of Charlie and Dave Willardson at work creating the construction used for the groovy 1967 album by The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band: Volume 2 (Reprise Records), art directed by the legendary Ed Thrasher. Yes, Charlie and Dave thought it would be a fine idea to coat Charlie's bathroom with silver and cast resin objects in it as well, such as a female mannequin sitting in the bathtub. The photograph was taken at the door of the bathroom. At the time Charlie and Dave lived and worked in the so-called White House, Charlie's white-covered abode in L.A. Shown in the film is Dave's room (with Dave deep in it) and the bathroom under construction. Needless to say, Charlie's landlord was less than pleased, but it was the '60s and somehow Chasbone got away. Robert Merchasin, if you're out there, drop us a line!

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About the Author

Norman Hathaway
Brooklyn, New York, United States
Norman Hathaway is a designer and writer whose primary focus is on contemporary, lesser-known design techniques and personalities. Norman's professional experience has spanned many design disciplines, from sign painting to filmmaking. His clients included The Design Museum, The Royal Academy of Arts, Paul McCartney and Peter Gabriel. He has lectured widely on design at the London College of Printing, The Royal College of Art, Goldsmiths College and other schools. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his daughter Wilma.
© 2008 PictureBox Inc. and Norman Hathaway
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