Pirkle Jones

2 plates from Portfolio Commemorating the Tenth Anniversary of the Founding of the United Nations at San Francisco (San Francisco, 1955), each mounted, signed in pencil on the mount, the portfolio and 'Photography Collection of the Polaroid Corporation' labels, the second with typed title, credit and process and accession information in ink, on the reverse, 1952 and 1955, printed in 1955, from an edition of 150 (2)

Each acquired from the photographer in May 1957 for the Library Collection

'SAN FRANCISCO FROM CORONA HEIGHTS' - The photographer's letterpress 'Portfolio' label on the reverse reads 'Portfolio. Limited to 150 prints, in commemoration of the signing of the United Nations Charter, June 20, 1955, "San Francisco from Corona Heights," Original photograph by Pirkle Jones, San Francisco, California' This print, on paper with a slight surface sheen, is in generally excellent condition. When examined in raking light, tiny deposits of original retouching are visible. The mount is lightly soiled. Its edges are rubbed, and the corners are bumped. The lower left corner is creased. 'THE GOLDEN GATE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA' - The photographer's letterpress portfolio label on the reverse reads 'Portfolio. Limited to 150 prints, in commemoration of the signing of the United Nations Charter, June 20, 1955, "The Golden Gate," Original photograph by Pirkle Jones, San Francisco, California.' This print, on paper with a slight surface sheen, is in generally very good condition. There is a very small emulsion loss at the tip of the lower left corner. The front and back of the mount is lightly soiled. The mount's edges are rubbed, and the corners are bumped. There is a small tear in the top paper ply at the lower edge of the mount.
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.

These images were included in a portfolio commemorating the 10th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations at San Francisco.  The Bank of America sponsored the production of the portfolio, which was given in 1955 to delegates who were present at the organization's founding in Jones's adopted city.