Brett Weston

(San Francisco: Grabhorn Press, 1949, a projected edition of 50), a portfolio of 10 photographs, each mounted, all but one signed, dated, and numbered sequentially in pencil on the reverse, together with the title, colophon, dedication, and introduction by Nancy Newhall, inscribed on the reverse of the dedication 'For Dody – Xmas 1950 / Love, Brett' in pencil, 1946, printed in 1949.  Folio, gray cloth portfolio case with flaps and silver-embossed black leather label

These photographs are in generally excellent condition. Faint silvering is visible on most of the prints when examined in raking light. Plate 6: There is a pin-point-sized rust-colored deposit on the mount. Plate 7: There are 2 stray graphite-colored marks on the mount. There is green soiling along the lower right edge on the reverse of the mount. Plate 9: This plate is not signed or dated. Foxing is present primarily on the front of the portfolio case. The black leather label is scratched and scuffed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

There are believed to be a total of 50 of Brett Weston's White Sands portfolios in existence, some printed in 1949, others printed in 1975.  The 1949 printing, comprised of 10 images, is scarce, as only 17 copies of this 10-image portfolio are believed to have been completed.  The later printing in 1975 of the additional 33 portfolios, which comprised 12 images, included 9 of the original images as well as 3 later images.  All 50 of the portfolio cases were manufactured at the time of the 1949 printing, and were used for both the 1949 and 1975 editions of the portfolios. 

The photographer's warm inscription 'For Dody,' written on Christmas of 1950, clearly marks this portfolio as being from the rarer, earliest 10-image version produced in 1949.