Thomas Whelan Benton Serigraph "Whitecap," 1979

Item Details

Thomas Whelan Benton (California/Colorado, 1930 – 2007)
Whitecap, 1979
Serigraph on paper
Signed and dated to lower right
Numbered 99/250
Artist blind stamp to lower right of composition

Born in Oakland, California in 1930, Thomas Whelan Benton did not pursue formal artistic training until after he served in the Navy during the Korean War. After his discharge in 1953, he obtained a degree in architecture from the University of Southern California and spent a short time as a practicing architect. In the 1960s he and his wife and two children moved to Aspen, where he built their home and his studio. In 1964, he gave up architecture to focus on his fine art practice, designing many political posters and becoming very active in the political scene. He befriended a lot of politicians during this time, and he gained national acclaim for designing the posters for world renowned writer Hunter S. Thompson’s campaign for Pitkin County Sheriff. He later created campaign posters for George McGovern and Gary Hart.

Condition

- minor wear and toning to sheet; dust accretions to surface; staining to verso.

Dimensions

- measures sheet; image measures 32.0" W x 32..0" H.

Item #

ITMG837955