Brett Weston

mounted, signed and dated in pencil on the mount, 1934 (Dune, p. 93)

The photographer to his friend and executor, Robert Byers, 1970s

Private Collection, 2002

Sotheby's New York, 5 October 2011, Sale 8775, Lot 81

This rich, early photograph is in generally excellent condition. A few tiny deposits of retouching in the negative as well as on the print are visible under very close examination. There is a horizontal scratch in the lower center that does not appear to break the emulsion and is visible only under raking light. This early print was originally acquired directly from Brett Weston by his friend and executor, the photographer Robert Byers, in the 1970s. At Byers's request, the print was placed on modern mount and then signed and dated by Weston on its new mount. This print is accompanied by a sheet of paper with title and date in Byers's hand in 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.