Autograph slip signed by the French abstract painter Georges Mathieu (1921–2012), dated “68”, with an abstract doodle in his usual style. The doodle carries a clear forward‑thrusting profile of a stylised aircraft, a motif linked to Mathieu’s celebrated work for Air France in the 1960s.

The signature is executed in dark ink on a small pink slip.

Mathieu’s autograph material from the late 1960s is increasingly scarce, and examples that include an abstract gesture or doodle are particularly desirable. The present slip shows the characteristic directional dynamism associated with Mathieu’s calligraphic abstraction, compressed into a minimal, emblematic form.

A compact and attractive Mathieu autograph with an abstract aircraft‑profile doodle, dating from a strong period in his career and carrying a direct thematic link to his Air France design work.

PROVENANCE:

From a large collection of Autographs (c500 +) in two albums that were personally obtained by Mr Bernard Sullivan (Apr 1920 – Feb 2017), renowned Senior Toastmaster for the Society of London Toastmasters. Due to the nature of his job, whenever an opportunity arose for an autograph, Sullivan would grab whatever was to hand – a ticket, a menu, back of his notes, etc to capture his prey.

Over his long distinguished career, he worked with many people from around the world including Royalty, Heads of States, Archbishops, HM Judges, Stars of Stage and Screen , Politicians and Sportsmen, many becoming like old friends. During his 58 years as a Toastmaster, he gradually built up a large, impressive collection of autographs, which were all personally collected by him. He cherished them and proudly showed them off to friends and family. 

Georges Mathieu (Jan 1921 – Jun 2012) was a French abstract painter, art theorist, and member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He is considered one of the fathers of European lyrical abstraction, a trend of informalism.