Ansel Adams

(San Francisco: Sierra Club, 1960, an edition of 200 numbered copies and 8 artist's proofs), a portfolio of 16 photographs, each mounted, signed in ink on the mount, the portfolio stamp, sequential numbers and '20' in red ink, and a 'Photography Collection of the Polaroid Corporation' label, with typed credit, title, and accession information, on the reverse, 1926-59, printed in 1959; together with the letterpress title/colophon/plate list and introduction by Adams, number '20' in ink, and a typed description by Adams of the photographic and developing technique employed. Folio, gilt-lettered green cloth portfolio with flaps and ties, no. 20 in a total edition of 208 (16)

Acquired from the photographer November 1960 for the Library Collection

Accompanying this portfolio is a typed letter from Adams describing the technical photographic and developing processes employed. 'The photographs herein cover a considerable span of time--from 1926 (Monolith, the Face of Half Dome, Print 1) to 1959 (Tenaya Creek, Spring Rain, Print 7) but they are not arranged in chronological order. For those interested in photographic technique, the following notes will be of interest. 'The negative materials used vary from Wratten Glass Plates (Print 1) to Ansco Super Hypan, and the cameras employed from standard view cameras (8 x 10, 6½ x 8½, 5 x 7, and 4 x 5) to the Hasselblad (2¼ x 2¼) single-lens reflex. Negative development for the large image was Pyro, Kodak D-23 and DK-50, and Ansco 47, and for the Hasselblad images (Prints 8 and 13) Kodak DK-20 and Edwal Minicol. Filters were used sparingly, except for Print 1, where a deep red filter (Wratten 29) produced the intentionally dramatic effect. 'All prints were made on Kodak Medalist F double-weight paper (glossy, but not ferrotyped) by contact printing (Prints 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15, and 16) or by projection printing (Prints 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 15, and 16), and developed in Edwal Super-111 developer with occasional addition of appropriate amounts of Edwal Orthozite. The prints were fixed for 4 to 5 minutes in Kodak F-5 fixing bath, then rinsed and stored in water. A second fixing in (plain hypo solution) for several minutes was followed by immediate immersion (without rinsing) for 5 to 10 minutes in Kodak hypo-eliminator solution, to which was added 100 to 200 cc Kodak Selenium Toner. The prints were then washed and dried face down on plastic screens without application of heat. All prints were dry-mounted on Strathmore Illustration Board.' These photographs are in generally very good condition, except where noted: 'Monolith, The Face of Half Dome' - In raking light, very faint surface scratches are visible that do not break the emulsion. There are tack holes in each corner and in the center of the mount. There is graphite colored soiling at the mount periphery. On the reverse of the mount, light yellow discoloration is visible in each of the corners, likely from adhesive. 'Merced River, Cliffs of Cathedral Rocks, Autumn' - There are two tack holes in the each of mount's corners. Light graphite-colored soiling is visible at the left and right edges of the mount. On the reverse of the mount, light yellow discoloration is visible in each of the corners, likely from adhesive. 'Lower Yosemite Fall' - In the lower portion of the image, a horizontal surface scuff is barely visible, as well as a ¼-inch surface scratch that does not break the emulsion. There are tack holes in the mount corners and graphite smudges on mount. There is adhesive in the corners on the reverse of the mount. 'Trees and Snow' - On the reverse of the mount, graphite marks and yellowed adhesive are visble. 'Branches in Snow' - There are tack holes in the mount corners and evidence of handling at the periphery. On the reverse of the mount, there is yellow adhesive in the corners. 'El Capitan Sunrise' - There is light graphite-colored soiling on the mount. On the reverse of the mount, there is yellow adhesive in the corners, and an air bubble under the Polaroid Collection label. 'Tenaya Creek, Spring Rain' - There are tack holes in the mount corners and fingerprints on the mount. On the reverse of the mount, there is yellow adhesive in the corners. 'Water and Foam' - There is a tack hole in the bottom left corner of the mount, and graphite colored fingerprints on the mount. On the reverse of the mount is yellow adhesive in the corners. 'Winter Storm' - In raking light in the upper left corner of the image are two ¼-inch vertical impressions, which do not break the emulsion. There is a tack hole in the lower right corner of the mount and light rust-colored liquid soiling down the left side of the mount, which extends onto the reverse. Also on the reverse of the mount, there is yellow adhesive in the corners. 'Dogwood Blossoms' - There are tack holes in the mount corners and yellow adhesive in the corners on the reverse. 'Grass and Pool' - Along the bottom left edge of the print, there is a small area of diminished glossiness. On the mount, there are tack holes in the corners and yellowed adhesive on the reverse. 'Nevada Fall, Rainbow' - In raking light, minor surface scratches are visible overall, which do not detract from the otherwise fine appearance of the print. On the mount, there are tack holes in the corners, soiling from handling, and yellow adhesive on the reverse. 'Rushing Water, Merced River' - Extending from the upper left edge of the print is a one-inch linear surface scratch that appears to break the emulsion slightly and a tiny nick that appears to have been retouched. There are tack holes in the corners of the mount and yellow adhesive on the reverse. 'Bridalveil Fall' - In raking light, two very faint surface scratches are visible in the center of the image. There is very minor edge chipping. The lower left mount corner is bent, and there are tack holes and light graphite-colored soiling on the mount. On the reverse of the mount is yellow adhesive in the corners. 'Trees and Cliffs' - In the central upper portion of the image are two ½-inch horizontal surface scratches that appear to break the emulsion, but which appear to have been repaired. On the mount, there are tack holes and light soiling. 'Half Dome, Thunder Cloud' - Visible in raking light are a fine scattering of surface scratches, most notably a one-inch scratch in the upper left corner of the image that does not break the emulsion and two tiny scratches along the lower left edge of the print. None of these appear to break the emulsion.
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.