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“To the question: ‘What people do you like to photograph?’ my answer is: ‘Those I love, those I admire and those I hate.’”

Helmut Newton

“Women naked or dressed, portraits of the famous, and provocative mises-en-scène: 450 photographs by one of the greatest photographers of our time in a quite exceptional format.”

Le Temps

“SUMO is just brilliant.”

Libération

“The biggest, fattest and most expensive book by the greatest and most prolific genius of photography.”

Photo

“That book was an outrageous idea—totally crazy!”

Helmut Newton

Helmut Newton’s SUMO

Edition of 10,000

Hardcover with book stand, 19.7 x 27.6 in., 76.56 lb, 464 pages

US$ 25,000

This edition is sold out. However, occasionally, copies do become available again. Please register on our waiting list so we can inform you if this edition, or anything similar comes up.

Almost as enormous as its subject is influential, the original SUMO is an homage to the astounding photographer Helmut Newton. Edited by June Newton, supported with a Philippe Starck bookstand, and containing over 400 images, it covers every aspect of Newton’s outstanding career, chronicling his groundbreaking fashion photography, definitive nudes, and celebrity portraiture.

Limited Collector’s Edition of 10,000 copies, each signed and numbered by Helmut Newton, with bookstand designed by Philippe Starck

Teaser

The Biggest and Most Expensive Book Production in the 20th Century

Limited edition of 10,000 copies worldwide, each signed and numbered by Helmut Newton. Includes a bookstand designed by Philippe Starck

SUMO is a titanic book in every respect: it is a tribute to the 20th century’s most influential, intriguing, and controversial photographer. Measuring 50 x 70 cm (20 x 27.5 in.) and weighing approx. 30 kg (66 lb.), the book contains 464 pages, breaking any previous record. SUMO is a truly unique publication.

SUMO, edited by June Newton, features a wide selection of over 400 pictures, most of which are published for the first time, covering every aspect of Newton’s outstanding career in photography: from his stunning fashion photographs, which pointed the way for generations of photographers, to his nudes and celebrity portraits.

In defiance of the much-loved Japanese discipline that inspired the title of this colossal work, there is no need for its proud owner to wrestle with SUMO. Philippe Starck has designed a unique device for displaying the book at home.

SUMO is available to all Newton fans and photo devotees in a limited edition of 10,000 copies, all numbered and signed by the artist.

The photographer

Helmut Newton (1920–2004) was one of the most influential photographers of all time. He first achieved international fame in the 1970s while working principally for French Vogue, where he became celebrated for his controversial scenarios. Most striking was his ability to make a throughly planned photograph seem fresh and dynamic. His many titles and awards included Commandeur de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

The designer of the bookstand

Philippe Starck is a French designer, responsible for some 10,000 interior, product, industrial, and architectural creations, from luxury hotels and mega-yachts to a lemon squeezer and toothbrush.

Helmut Newton’s SUMO

Edition of 10,000

Helmut Newton, Philippe Starck

Hardcover with book stand, 19.7 x 27.6 in., 76.56 lb, 464 pages

Michael Chow

“Of all the thousands of iconic books produced by TASCHEN, their greatest accomplishment is photographer Helmut Newton’s Sumo. The sheer size and scale was an achievement in itself as it is the largest and most expensive book of the 20th century. In order to produce such a book, one needs vision and courage, not to mention the technical side of manufacturing and marketing.”

Illustration: Robert Nippoldt

In Memoriam

June Newton (1923-2021)

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Helmut Newton’s SUMO