Walter Chappell

mounted, signed and dated in ink on the mount, initialed and titled in pencil and with a 'Photography Collection of the Polaroid Corporation' label, with typed title and credit and accession information in ink, on the reverse, 1955, printed no later than 1959

Acquired from the photographer in August 1959 for the Library Collection

This early print, on paper with a surface sheen and mounted to cream-colored board, is in generally excellent condition. Thin edges of dry-mounting tissue are barely visible at the top, left, and bottom edges of the print. The corners of the mount are bumped, and there is light soiling on the reverse. The reverse of the print has been initialed and numbered 'WC 2-55' by the photographer.
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.

According to Walter Chappell authority David Scheinbaum, vintage prints by Chappell are scarce.  In 1961, when the photographer was living and working in Rochester, New York, a fire destroyed virtually all of his early prints and early negatives.  After this loss, Chappell considered his early prints unique.