Brett Weston

mounted, signed and dated by the photographer in pencil on the mount, matted, 1937

The photographer to his aunt, Mary Weston Seaman

By descent to her daughter, Jeannette Seaman

By descent to her nephew, John W. Longstreth

This early print, on paper with a very slight sheen, and on a white mount with a slick surface on the front and back, is in generally excellent condition. When examined in raking light, there are several tiny pinpoint indentations, not breaking the emulsion, as well as a small (3/16-inch) hook-shaped indentation that breaks the emulsion in two tiny areas of the indentation. This is at the upper right of the horse's tail, but is visible only upon the closest examination and not at a normal viewing distance. The mount is age-darkened, particularly at the periphery. The reverse of the mount exhibits edge-rubbing and tiny loss of the top paper ply at the edges. 'L84.2003.12' and 'EWP105' are written in an unidentified hands in pencil at the lower edge of the reverse.
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.

It is believed that this photograph of a merry-go-round horse was taken in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.  A beloved feature of the oldest children's park in the nation, the Herschel-Spillman Carousel dates to 1912 and is one of the park's main attractions.  Brett Weston had moved north to San Francisco in 1936.  While there he met and married his second wife Cecily, and in 1938, his only daughter Erica was born.