Running a secret society no.20
Artist's Book
2004 (published)
2004 (published)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This artist's book purports to be an instruction manual on how to run a secret society and grew out of the artist's fascination with the bizarre rituals that members of secret societies are known to indulge in. The book contains numerous sections of 'useful' advice, updated between editions, on how to remain incognito. The present edition includes a section on revised handshakes and signals with illustrations (including 'handshakes for experienced users only'). The introduction includes the ultimate nonsensical advice on 'How to remain secret' which is not to let anyone join your society - one member is the maximum recommended. The brown manila stapled binding containing 8 pages is accompanied by a 'Courtesy hand-markings recognition chart', an envelope containing a secret password and computer enhanced technology (i.e. a match) designed to aid the destruction of the work once memorised. The foreword is signed by 'Commander-in-chief': J. Batey.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Running a secret society no.20 (published title) |
| Materials and techniques | |
| Brief description | Artist's book, 'Running a secret society no. 20', by Jackie Batey, Brighton, 2004 |
| Physical description | Artist's book (iii, 8 pages) stapled into brown paper covers. Accompanied by 1 green courtesy hand-markings recognition chart, 1 secret password card in a small brown envelope, and 1 matchstick in a small plastic zip-lock bag. Limited ed. of 20 copies. Library's copy is no. 1. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Summary | This artist's book purports to be an instruction manual on how to run a secret society and grew out of the artist's fascination with the bizarre rituals that members of secret societies are known to indulge in. The book contains numerous sections of 'useful' advice, updated between editions, on how to remain incognito. The present edition includes a section on revised handshakes and signals with illustrations (including 'handshakes for experienced users only'). The introduction includes the ultimate nonsensical advice on 'How to remain secret' which is not to let anyone join your society - one member is the maximum recommended. The brown manila stapled binding containing 8 pages is accompanied by a 'Courtesy hand-markings recognition chart', an envelope containing a secret password and computer enhanced technology (i.e. a match) designed to aid the destruction of the work once memorised. The foreword is signed by 'Commander-in-chief': J. Batey. |
| Other number | 801.AG.0059 - NAL Pressmark |
| Collection | |
| Library number | 38041005204037 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
| Record created | April 30, 2014 |
| Record URL |
Download as: JSON
