Art Basel at 50 - the 1970s

We have to remember, too, that the gallery concept is relatively modern, just like the concept of the museum. Once this or that platform takes shape, it’s both natural and easy to reproduce it.

I first participated in Art Basel in 1972. It was an incredible, pioneering and very exciting time when most of the gallerists, out of passion, transported the works of the artists themselves. In addition, the artists also helped to build the booths with great excitement. It was a time when nobody could imagine—we were working from a very idealistic background— that the art market (especially because of the fairs) would develop as far and as professionally as it has today.

Those years were extraordinary, and at the same time really very primitive. It was sweltering, there was no ventilation, and you had to provide your own lights.

We have to remember, too, that the gallery concept is relatively modern, just like the concept of the museum. Once this or that platform takes shape, it’s both natural and easy to reproduce it.

We first participated in Art Basel in 1977. We showed Chris Burden’s photogravure facsimile of an Italian 10,000 lire note that we printed on both sides, and early works by Vito Acconci. To announce our ambitions, we handed out compressed sponges as business cards.

Our first participation was in 1975. It was relatively inexpensive and we covered our costs with sales of about £3,000. Ironically, we now find ourselves downstairs to almost the same spot we were in 1975.

I first participated in Art Basel as a collaborator of the Galerie Beyeler in 1970. This was also my introduction to the art world. In 1978, I participated as a publisher of editions—with artists such as A. R. Penck and Enzo Cucchi. This was my first independent experience in Basel.

We first participated in Art Basel in 1977. We showed Chris Burden’s photogravure facsimile of an Italian 10,000 lire note that we printed on both sides, and early works by Vito Acconci. To announce our ambitions, we handed out compressed sponges as business cards.