Conrad, Joseph.

Conrad full-length standing under a garden trellis, mounted, signed ("J.C.") and dated 1908 on the mount (image size 70 x 105mm.); Joseph, Jessie, and John Conrad in a domestic setting, mounted, inscribed by Jessie to Mr and Mrs Pinker and dated 1920 on the image (image size 225 x 190mm); two others of Conrad alone, including one of him smoking in a deck-chair; four of Conrad with others including one with J.B. Pinker on holiday in Corsica (1921), one with his sons John and Borys, and Pinker, and one on board ship; one of H.G. Wells, seated, half-length, mounted, signed by Wells on the mount and with an inscription on the image ("This is W.F.R."), by Mayall and Newman (image size 148 x 100mm), and three others variously depicting the Conrads' drawing room at their final home, 'Oswalds' in Bishopsbourne, Kent, Pinker standing with two others, and an unidentified ship; various sizes, ten silverprints including at least three vintage copy prints (one a photographic postcard), one carbon print, and one (?) albumen print, 1900s-1920s, photograph inscribed by Conrad with slight silvering and stains to mount slightly affecting inscription, some silvering and fading to a few other images, one photograph with corner torn and several puncture holes, the carbon print with significant loss to the image

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A fascinating cache of personal and informal images of Conrad unknown to biographers, that belonged to James Pinker, one of the most important literary agents of the early twentieth century and a close friend of Conrad. His strong belief in Conrad's work and willingness to lend him significant sums of money was crucial in sustaining the author especially in the years before his late public success.