A simple idea for people talking: Andy Warhol’s editorial legacy bound in one tome thanks to Assouline
There is a new book on the shelves of Assouline’s publishing maison on Piccadilly in London – it weighs over 5kg, it takes up more than a shelf, its hardcover is awash in acrid green and it rests in a metallic pink protective jacket. Bold, bright, brassy, beautiful: 50 years of Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine has been collated, curated and bound into a vibrant dazzle.
Assouline’s mighty tome on this dazzling riot that was Interview Magazine lets you eavesdrop in on the romance, the righteousness, the unrest and the regalia that made and still makes Interview one of the most infamous magazines to this day.
Initially contrived as a cross between the youth culture-led Rolling Stone and the nudity of Screw, Interview was due to be a riot of a success according to Andy Warhol, as it was going to be a film review magazine that was comprised of decent and relevant journalism, and sex. Having resulted instead in a zeitgeist of exceptional journalism, outrageous interviews and total creative freedom across fashion, art, music and culture, Interview turned on its head what a magazine could encompass.
Speaking to Esther Kremer, Editor In Chief and Director of Publishing at Assouline, we discuss why the powerhouse of noble titles saw the legacy of Interview Magazine as a key opportunity to celebrate and support the reputation of what Richard Turley, Editorial Director of Interview, labelled “a mess, a big beautiful mess.”
How did this retrospective of Interview Magazine come about?
On the occasion of Interview’s 50th anniversary, it seemed opportune to curate their history in a book.
Why did you feel this was a valid retrospective that needed to be published under Assouline?
Assouline is a curator of culture, we educate with strong imagery and constantly refer back to the creative leaders of the past in all our works. Interview: 50 Years is a visual text book to decades of history of film, fashion and art.
How did Interview change the publishing landscape?
In an age when magazines were all about carefully composed shoots in exotic locations by leading photographers, Andy turned publishing on its head with a real and unedited interview format for his magazine. Because he could not afford to pay writers, he just published the interviews verbatim. He took chances by featuring young stars like Jodie Foster, the only talent he could afford at the time, and at 18 she ended up working as a staff writer for him as well. He was innovative and ahead of his time in that regard. He was an entertainer, not just an artist, and dreamed up ways of captivating his audience within his small operating budget.
Do you think Interview is still a relevant publication?
Yes, because it focuses on emerging talent, like Nick Braun (Succession) and has an edgy vibe which is presented for a sophisticated audience who understands good design. It’s different than what else is out there and many of their competitors.
What did your involvement in the creation of this title teach you about the magazine and Andy Warhol’s lateral creative vision?
Andy’s Interview shows that Innovators take risks. He had a “go big or go home” attitude that we see today in the startup community. Andy was that kind of visionary and his creativity extended way beyond art.
The book is published as a mighty tome: why did you feel this was the right format for a retrospective on Interview?
The contents of the book are epic. They take readers through what many consider the heyday of NYC. It deserves to be XXL.
Can you summarise what Interview meant to you in three words when you started work on this project ?
ANDY, NYC, INNOVATION
Can you summarise Interview in three words after creating this tome?
ANDY, NYC, INNOVATION
What would you like readers to take away from this book?
An understanding of a time where creative energy exuded from the streets of NYC and how that magic happened.
Interview is available to purchase by Assouline here.
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