Ithell Colquhoun (1906–1988) was a creative force; a prolific artist, essayist, novelist, and poet whose primary concerns were spiritual transcendence and union with the divine energy that inspired all matter. For her, surrealism provided a method and framework to explore not only the deepest aspects of her mind but also to connect with other entities and dimensions. At present, there is a confluence of interests bringing Colquhoun's work to the forefront: a renewed interest in surrealism, a new critical engagement with enhancing the historical contributions of women artists, and crucially, an interest in internally driven art. The Tate holds an extensive collection of her works, memorabilia, and writings in its archive, from which this collection of collage works is drawn and published for the first time ever.

In 1939, Ithell Colquhoun envisioned Bonsoir as a surrealist film. She created a storyboard using photographs she had cut from popular magazines. It has remained unpublished until now. Using surrealist techniques, this collage collection narrates a moment in which convention and ambiguity collide in the exploration of desire.

Pages: 64, Year of Publication: 0909, Dimensions: 16.4x16.4cm