Brett Weston

mounted, signed and dated in pencil on the original mount, flush-mounted to modern board, a fragment of the original mount, titled and annotated '10.00' in pencil, affixed to the reverse, 1929

Collection of Elinore Stone, the photographer's first wife

Private collection, by descent

Sotheby's New York, 28 April 1999, Sale 7296, Lot 167

This rare, early Brett Weston photograph, on semi-glossy paper, is in generally good to very good condition. It is faintly yellowed at the periphery of the image, although this has not resulted in any degradation of detail. In raking light, the following are visible: a diagonal surface scuff (measuring approximately 4 inches) extending from the right edge of the image; a few, tiny matte deposits, possibly original retouching; and superficial surface scratches overall. A tiny loss to the tip of the lower right corner appears to have been in-painted. The photograph is on an early buff mount, which is evenly soiled and appropriately age-darkened. The mount has been conserved to stabilize creases, tears, and losses at the corners, and was expertly affixed to modern sturdy board. The top paper-ply in the upper right corner is separating slightly from the modern mount. A fragment of the original mount, titled and annotated by Weston, is affixed to 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.

This very early Brett Weston photograph may represent the image entitled 'Röhren,' or drainage pipes, exhibited by Weston in the influential Film und Foto exhibition in Stuttgart in 1929.  Although no complete visual record of the works Weston sent to the show exists, brief titles of the photographs were listed in the exhibition catalogue.  'Röhren' was number 741.

At the time of this writing, no other prints of this image are believed to have been offered at auction.