Celebrated Muhammad Ali photos by Michael Brennan to go on display

If you are a Muhammad Ali fan, then you will love this.

The Artworks Gallery and Design Within Reach will present an exhibition by photographer Michael Brennan and his legendary series on Muhammad Ali, which will include the limited-edition photograph entitled "1977." "1977" will open with a reception on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Design Within Reach on Beverly Boulevard and run through Nov. 17. The exhibition will then move to the Artworks Gallery in Pasadena, where it will be on display through Jan. 17, 2012, Ali’s 70th birthday.

A very limited edition of "1977", above, will be available for sale signed by both Brennan and Ali. Six other Ali images will be on display and available for sale; many of these are also signed by the former heavyweight champion.

In addition, there will be a very rare collection of Brennan photos on display from a series featured in a 16-page story in Sports Illustrated entitled “Ali and His Educators” from September 1980. Brennan traveled extensively to locate and interview these elite few who had actually faced Ali in the ring. His efforts paid off with photographs and testimonials from the fighters about their experiences with Ali.

Most of Ali's "educators” are men who have fallen into absolute obscurity since their moment with the most famous boxer of all time. With careers varying from a chief of police to a building contractor, a convict to a CEO, they all give an account of their time with Muhammad Ali.

Design Within Reach is located at 8070 Beverly Boulevard and is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m.

See additional images.

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