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The Seeker

Pete Townshend

Pete Townshend's series of prints is inspired by the idea of 'exploding out and imploding in': contrasting the dynamism of Townshend's live performance with moments of creative introspection.

'I never believed that standing and playing a guitar was enough.' Pete Townshend

Each photograph in the Seeker Series is personally chosen and signed by Pete Townshend. His selection spans his incredible career, from The High Numbers, to The Who's 2013 tour. Guitars are smashed and remade along the way, and Townshend showcases the instruments that created Tommy and 'Won't Get Fooled Again'.

The Artist

The Seeker

The Who formed in 1964 and have been rocking ever since, celebrating their 50th anniversary with an extensive tour.

Throughout his career, guitarist and songwriter Pete Townshend has been relentlessly seeking new forms of expression and innovation. Breaking new ground, equipment and sound barriers, he has never stood still. 

Townshend has received multiple accolades, including a Life Achievement Brit Award, a Tony Award and two Grammys. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors in 2008.

1. Tommy Guitar

The Seeker

IBC Studios, London, October 1968

'I started using Fender guitars because they are very strong. Rickenbacker and Gibson guitars were coming apart in my hands, and of course didn't bounce. This guitar was used on the Tommy sessions I think.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Baron Wolman 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

2. Filmore West

The Seeker

The Fillmore West, San Francisco, August 1968

'I never believed that standing and playing a guitar was enough.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Baron Wolman 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

3. Moon's Drums

The Seeker

Twickenham, London, 1970

'That's actually Keith Moon's drum kit in my tiny studio. I tried recording the band at home. It was pretty good. In the foreground is the rig I used for 'Won't Get Fooled Again'. Lowrey Berkshire through a moving filter on the EMS synth.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Chris Morphet 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

4. Soldering

The Seeker

Pete Townshend soldering a guitar, Germany, 1966

'I smashed them, but I also became adept at repairing them.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Chris Morphet 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

5. The Double Neck

The Seeker

Saville Theatre, London, October 22nd 1967

'For those who like to say I was ugly, I don't think there is much in rock that is more beautiful than me at this time.'  Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Chris Morphet 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

6. Stirring Smoke

The Seeker

Granby Halls, Leicester, March 13th 1967

'I appear to be stirring smoke. It was fun, but I was rather serious about it.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Chris Morphet 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

7. High Numbers

The Seeker

The High Numbers, The Scene Club, Soho, London, July 22nd 1964

'I wore my guitar too high at the beginning. Everyone did. It was because of The Beatles. They wore their guitars under their necks.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Dezo Hoffmann 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

8. The Who Live

The Seeker

Granby Halls, Leicester, October 18th 1975

'Doc Martens boots. Very ver-bouncy.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend
Photographer: Graham Wiltshire 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

9. Home Recording

The Seeker

Pete Townshend's Recording Studio, Soho, London, 1980

'I stand next to a cassette duplication rig in my studio in Soho. I look pensive. I was in a strange place, but looking back it often seems to be the best time of my life.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend
Photographer: Martyn Goddard 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

10. Smashing Day

The Seeker

Smashing a Gibson guitar for charity, Pete Townshend's Recording Studio, Twickenham, London, August 2005

'Stupid. For charideeee of course.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Matt Kent 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

11. Quadrophenia

The Seeker

The Who's Quadrophenia Tour, O2 Arena, London, June 15th 2013

'Where is that scarf? I bought it in 1978, it's by Metropolis. People always steal my favourite shit. When I see it come up on eBay I know that soon after someone will send me a note saying they need their roof fixed, or their aunt needs medical treatment, and can I provide a letter of authenticity. After a moment of irritation I tell myself "... you paid for this scarf in the first place, you thieving fan ..." and I sign it.'  Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Matt Kent 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

12. Fly Away

The Seeker

Hammersmith Odeon, December 28th 1979

'One day I will fly away.' Pete Townshend

Edition: 25 numbered prints, signed by Pete Townshend 
Photographer: Ross Halfin 
Dimensions: 50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30") 
Method: Archival Giclée using K3 Lightfast inks 
Paper: 100% Cotton Hahnemuhle Photo Rag® 320gsm 
Certificate: Numbered and signed by the publishers 
Frame: Black hard wood with acid free mount and UV Perspex

The Complete Collection

The Seeker

Genesis prints are created using lightfast ink onto archival cotton rag paper. Pete Townshend has personally signed each museum-quality print. Each artwork additionally comes with a numbered certificate, signed by the publishers.

If you would like to collect the entire Seeker Series, please contact Genesis to discuss the addition of a complimentary archival case to house your prints (+44 (0) 1483 540970 or info@genesis-publications.com).
1. Tommy Guitar
Framed Print
£1900.00
Available from £627.00 per month. Learn more >
Unframed Print
£1800.00
Available from £594.00 per month. Learn more >

Pete Townshend’s series of prints is inspired by the idea of ‘exploding out and imploding in’: contrasting the dynamism of Townshend’s live performance with moments of creative introspection.

  • Available from: October 2015
  • Dimensions: 20in x 30in
  • 12 images
  • 1. Tommy Guitar
    25 numbered prints
  • Signed by:
    Pete Townshend
  • Paper:
    100% Cotton Hahnemühle Photo Rag® Pearl 320gsm
  • Framed Print
    59cm x 79.5cm (23.25" x 31.25"), framed in hard wood with acid free mount and high protection UV perspex
  • Unframed Print
    50.8cm x 76.2cm (20" x 30")

The story of your book

Since 1974 Genesis has created signed limited edition books on behalf of authors and artists ranging from the Beatles to Buckingham Palace.

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