Plate: TL. 24

"The Irish and American Bar was described as an English bar where truly hardened drinkers would silently sit lost in contemplation of the bottles. The barman Randolphe, was known as Ralph. A half-breed Chinese and American Indian born in San Francisco, he displayed Asiatic dexterity in mixing special cocktails. In the smoke and hubbub jockeys, trainers, grooms and horse dealers jostled with pompous coachmen whose employers would be dining at one of the smart restaurants nearby. Lautrec was frequently the last client to leave the bar when closing-time came" (Dortu p.190,193)

"This is Lautrec's poster for the Anglo-American magazine 'The Chap Book' During 1895 and '96 Lautrec represented the Irish American Bar five times (see Chocolat dansant dans un bar) it was patronized by the horse racing set as well as coachmen such as the Rothschild's driver Tom, who is shown here full-face at the bar... which was one of Lautrec's haunts where he would sit at his reserved table and have "night cups" concocted by Ralph" (San Diego Museum of Art)

During the 1960s the renowned French printer, Mourlot Freres, printed this superb series "Les Affiches de Toulouse-Lautrec" for collectors. They are reduced lithographic versions of Lautrec's most famous works. They are truly the most beautiful printing we have been able to find in this size format.

As vintage printings of Lautrec's work, in all formats, reach high prices, this mid-century printing offers a superb alternative at a reasonable price that will only appreciate in value.