Brett Weston

1928; accompanied by a signed fragment of the original mount, titled and inscribed 'To you Mother, for your birthday - / Brett -' in pencil on the reverse (Master Photographer, pl. 4) (2)

Gift of the photographer to his mother, Flora Weston

Collection of Euliel Ballenger White

By descent to the present owners

This warm-toned print, on matte-surface paper, is in generally excellent condition. It is trimmed to the image. Faint silvering is visible at the lower right corner. There is a fingerprint in the upper left quadrant, and 2 barely discernible abrasions in the upper corners. On the reverse of the print, adhesive stains are visible overall. This photograph has undergone conservation, primarily to address surface soiling and adhesive remnants from the original mount. A treatment report is available upon request from the department. The fragment of the original mount is appropriately age-darkened, especially at the edges, and the corners are rounded. On the front of the fragment, in the lower right corner next to the signature, an impression from the date '192' in the photographer's hand is visible. The date appears to have been erased. The number '8' is faintly visible in the lower left corner, and this also appears to have been erased. The photographer's signature remains, however, clear and robust. On the reverse of the fragment, 'bay window' is written in the photographer's hand and crossed out in pencil. '177' is written in an unidentified hand in red pencil. When examined under ultraviolet light, this print does not appear to fluoresce.
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.