Edward Weston

2 photographs, including Hills and Telephone Poles and Surf, Point Lobos, each mounted, with initials and date in pencil on the mount, the second with negative number in pencil on the reverse of the mount, both 1938, printing date unknown, possibly printed in the 1940s or 1950s (Conger 1355) (2)

These photographs, on semi-glossy paper, are in generally excellent condition. Although we believe these photographs to be lifetime prints, we are uncertain as to the identity of the initials and dates written on the mounts. Hills and Telephone Poles - Upon close examination, a few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible in the sky-area. This print is mounted to thin, slick, off-white card. The number '18' is in an unidentified hand in pencil in the lower right corner of the mount. The number '20' is in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse of the mount. Surf, Point Lobos - Upon close examination, a few tiny deposits of original retouching are visible overall. This print is mounted to thin, slick, off-white card. The number '17' is in an unidentified hand in pencil in the lower right corner of the mount. The negative number 'PL-S-3g' and number '38' are in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse of the mount. There are a few stray marks on the front and reverse of the mount, as well as a 1-1/2-inch abrasion to the top paper-ply on the reverse. In addition to the print of 'Surf, Point Lobos' in the Center for Creative Photography, Tucson, Conger locates prints in the following institutional collections: Harrison Memorial Library, Carmel; Art Institute of Chicago; International Center of Photography at George Eastman House, Rochester; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena; and Special Collections, University of California, Santa Cruz, this last a Project Print.
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.