The Public Paperfolding History Project
Last updated 19/2/2024 x |
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The Paperfolding of Adolfo Cerceda | |||||||
Introduction Ismael Adolfo Cerceda was born in Buenos Aires on 13th of April, 1923 and died on 25th July, 1979. He was a professional knife-thrower and magician who worked under a number of different names including Don Alvan and Carlos Corda. He was married twice, first to Martha Rossi, in around 1956, who was his partner in his knife-throwing act, then, in 1968, to France Larrosa, who also became his professional stage partner. ********** Sources There is a chapter about his life in 'Fascinante Papiroflexia' by Vicente Palacios, which was published by Miguel A Salvatella in Barcelona in 1984. An English translation is available here. ********** Chronology 1961 In 'The Art of Origami' by Samuel Randlett, which was published by E P Dutton in New York in 1961, Cerceda is credited with having originated the Double Blintz Preliminary Fold (from a 2x1 rectangle). ********** Volume 2 Issue 2 of 'The Origamian' for Autumn 1961 contains diagrams for an Eagle by Adolfo Cerceda. ********** 1962 Volume 2 Issue 3 of 'The Origamian' for Spring / Summer 1962 contained a brief profile of Adolfo Cerceda, mainly concentrating on his knife throwing act. The same issue contained a letter from Fred Rohm lauding Adolpho's peacock over Yoshizawa's: And contained diagrams for Cerceda's 'Moor on Horseback', which is dated to 1957. ********* 1963 Cerceda's 'Sofa' appears in 'Party Lines' by Robert Harbin, which was published by the Olbourne Book Co in London in 1963. ********** 'The Best of Origami' by Samuel Randlett, which was published by E P Dutton in New York in 1963 and by Faber and Faber Ltd in London in 1964, contained the following biographical details: And diagrams for a number of Cerceda's original designs: Sofa ********** Macaw ********** Hen ********** Flamingo ********** Pheasant ********** White Heron ********** Crane ********** Parakeet ********** Rhinocerous ********** 1964 'Secrets of Origami', by Robert Harbin, which was published by Oldbourne Book Company in London in 1964, contained diagrams for a number of Cerceda's designs: Everyman Mask (said to be after Akira Yoshizawa) ********** Adolpho's Angel ********** The Moor on Horseback ********** Lion ( a compound design) ********** Adolfo's Pig (a compound design) ********** Adolfo's Peacock From a 2x1 rectangle ********** 1967 Vol 7: Issue 3 of 'The Origamian' for Autumn 1967 contained diagrams for a Fox by Cerceda, which was developed from a base by Neal Elias. ********** 1968 Vol 8: Issues 1 and 2 of 'The Origamian' for Spring and Summer 1968 contained a profile of Ligia Montoya, 'Ligia Montoya: Woman and Artist', written by Gershon Legman, which contained mention of Adolfo Cerceda. ********** 1969 Controversy arose over three designs that Robert Harbin had included in 'Secrets of Origami, the Everyman Mask, Adolpho's Pig and Adolfo's Peacock. 'The Origamian' of Summer 1969 contained a letter from Robert Harbin which explained that Yoshizawa had complained about the inclusion of these designs in the book.
*** Vol 9: Issue 3 of 'The Origamian' for Autumn 1969 contained a letter from Adolpho Cerceda responding to Robert Harbin's letter in Volume 9, issue 2.
********** Vol 9: Issue 4 of 'The Origamian' for Winter 1969 contains a letter from Samuel Randlett commenting on Adolpho Cerceda's letter in Vol 9, issue 3. ********** |
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