James Lapides 1970 HGS: 2014-2015 Distinguished Alumnus

On Friday, November 10, Hopkins welcomed James Lapides 1970 HGS to speak at assembly and to honor him as the 2014–2015 Distinguished Alumnus.

Lapides is the Director of the International Poster Gallery in Boston, Massachusetts, where he boasts a collection of thousands of original print posters from the late 1800s to today. These masterful works offer insight into the time they were produced, whether advertising operas, cabarets, automobiles, products or wartime propaganda. Lapides spoke to the School about his passion for collecting these rare works, and explained that he learns an incredible amount from his clients who come to him seeking specific works. Over the years, his passion for posters has opened the door to continued education through the needs of his clients and research into the history of the posters he finds. He has become an expert in art history, world history, printmaking, advertising and politics. He shared photos of some of the works that mean the most to him. Please see the attached video to hear Jim's address.

Following assembly, Lapides spent the morning visiting classes in History, Art and Art History. In Mr. Mueller’s Art class, he helped students with their new assignment, to create a poster advertising Hopkins.  He also met with Chloe Glass ’15 of The Razor, and attended a luncheon with fellow alumni/ae in the Weissman Room.

Mr. Lapides will return to Hopkins on June 13, 2015 to speak at the Reunion Alumni/ae Luncheon.

Learn more about the International Poster Gallery and Lapides’ impressive collection on their website:
http://www.internationalposter.com/