A total of 12 original color-pencil and ink drawings by British-born artist Martin Burgoyne (1963-1986). The spiral-bound portfolio of original drawings contains original art work used on the cover, or as preparatory work, for the Madonna 1983 album “Burning Up”, designed by Martin Burgoyne. The first four pages have all 20 “photo-booth” vignette portraits of Madonna, the inspiration being a series of black and white photos from the Burgoyne collection. Three large color-pencil drawings of Madonna are included in the portfolio. One of which (a portrait of Madonna wearing a bowler hat), is almost identical to the portrait of Madonna on the back side of the album cover “Burning Up”. The portfolio also includes self portraits of Martin and portraits of John Benitez better known as “Jellybean” whom Martin designed album covers for as well. A copy of the 1983 “Burning Up” record album showing the 20 different faces of Madonna on the cover along with the portrait of Madonna on the back will be included. Each drawing sheet page measures 13” x 9 3/4”. The inside upper left cover of the portfolio is signed, “Martin Burgoyne” in his hand. In good condition. Estate of Martin Burgoyne.
Background information: In the 1980s, New York’s gritty Lower East Side was a hotbed of aspiring artists and entertainers with the common goal of achieving fame and success. Two of the kindred spirits drawn to each other within the fast-paced microcosm of music, art and youthful freedom were British-born artist, dancer and model Martin Burgoyne and his best friend/roommate, Madonna. Like so many talented young people who had not yet been ‘discovered,’ Martin Burgoyne worked a variety of jobs to get by while building a name for himself as a graphic artist. He worked as a dancer and model, as well as a DJ and bartender at Studio 54.
