Brett Weston

mounted, signed and dated by the photographer in pencil on the mount, matted, 1942

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 slight surface sheen, and on a light gray mount, is in generally excellent condition. When examined in raking light, slight age-appropriate silvering is visible at the periphery, as well as tiny, barely discernable striations in the emulsion in the upper right quadrant of the print. Slight age-darkening of the mount is somewhat more noticeable at the left side. Notations 'L84.2003.11' and 'EWP81' have been made in unidentified hands at the lower edge on 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.

In 1940, Brett Weston moved south to Santa Monica, where he worked as a photographer for the public relations department of the North American Aircraft Corporation and the Douglas Aircraft Corporation.  As his father had before him, Brett supported himself financially with various forms of professional photography, including portraits, and in Brett's case, work for the Federal Art Project, the Army, and the corporations mentioned above.  He would always continue, however, what he called his 'personal work,' done for pure artistic enjoyment.  The deceptively simple studies of plants offered here and in the following lot, done during his days with the aircraft companies, are fine examples of this category.