Fine Prints & Photography

October 2631, 2019
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LOT 39

Lot 39

Eight Lumiere Press Limited Edition Books on Photography (Dating from 1986 - 1994)

Eight Lumiere Press Limited Edition Books on Photography (Dating from 1986 - 1994)
Lot 39 Details
Eight Lumiere Press Limited Edition Books on Photography (Dating from 1986 - 1994), Canadian

EIGHT FINE PRESS PHOTOGRAPHY BOOKS, ALL OUT OF PRINT, TITLES INCLUDING:

1.
"The Witkin Gallery 25
A Celebration of Twenty Five Years of Photography in New York City", 1994. Portfolio selected by Evelyne Z. Daitz; introduction by Peter C. Bunnell. Twenty-six halftone reproductions, two of which are tipped in, by various photographers. Black Canapetta cloth spine with green Canson paper patterned in gold over boards. Numbered H/C in pencil to the colophon, aside from the edition of 250.

2.
Michel Lambeth (1923-1977), Canadian
“The Confessions of a Tree Taster”, 1987
Illustrated by Lambeth with preface by Michael Torosian. Published in celebration of the Public Archives of Canada’s major retrospective, “Michel Lambeth Photographer” curated by Michael Torosian. Numbered copy 90/150 in pen and ink to the colophon

3.
Edward Weston (1886–1958) American
“Centennial 1886-1986, Dedicated to Simplicity / A Reminiscence by Cole Weston”, 1986
Printed in an edition of 26 copies lettered A to Z, retained by the press, and a numbered edition of 150. Issued in commemoration of the centennial of Weston’s birth, May 1986. Homage Volume I. Numbered H/C to the colophon.

4.
Paul Strand (1890–1976), American
“Paul Strand Centennial 1890-1990 / Orgeval, A Remembrance by Naomi Rosenblum”, 1990. Thirty-four pages. Edition 200. December 1990. Homage Volume V. Numbered H/C to the colophon.

5.
Aaron Siskind (1903–1991), American
“The Siskind Variations”,1990
There are 26 lettered and 190 numbered copies; illustrated with two original silver gelatin prints from the negatives, both portraits of the photographer. One of 190 copies, autographed copy, signed by Siskind and dated 4/26/90 in pen and ink to the opening page opposite the title page. Numbered 17/190 to the colophon.

6.
Frederick Sommer (1905–1999), American/Italian
“The Constellations That Surround Us, The Conjunction of General Aesthetics & Poetic Logic in an Artist's Life”, 1992. Illustrated with four tipped-in gelatin-silver prints: a rare portrait of Sommer by Edward Weston, and three various images by Sommer. Edition 200, May 1992, Homage Volume VI. Numbered 169/200 to the colophon.

7.
David G. Heath (1950- ), American
“Extempore, Reflections & Ruminations on Art & Personal History”, 1988
Two previously rare, unpublished photographs: portrait of Heath and an image by Heath from 1951, printed on gelatin-silver paper and tipped in, further illustrated with a half-tone reproduction of one of Heath’s hand-rendered layouts for a sequence from ADWS. Edition 150 copies, May 1988, Homage Volume III. Numbered 137/150 to the colophon.

8.
T.S. Eliot Preludes, 1987
“Preludes”, 1987, A poem by T.S. Eliot" with photograph by Michael Torosian. Eight pages.
A single special edition published for friends of Lumiere Press in appreciation of their support. Signed by Michael Torosian and numbered 4/100 to the colophon

Six titles, nos. 2 to 7, are quarter bound in natural linen and Canson paper over boards in the uniform style of the series. The last, with grey paper cover.


Each 9 x 6 in — 22.9 x 15.2 cm

Estimate $1,000-$1,500

Realised: $1,320
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Provenance:

Lumiere Press, Toronto, accompanied by one original receipt for the Paul Strand book, dated 5 August 1991;
The remaining books, gifted directly from Michael Torosian to the present Private Collection, Oakville, ON, former neighbour of Michael Torosian and first proof-reader for his publications for Lumiere Press.

Note:

The Witkin Gallery is credited with the launch of photography to public consciousness and collector interest in the 1970s.

Contemporary bookmaker and photographer Michael Torosian established Lumiere Press in Toronto in 1980. It began as a small private press and the only fine print book press devoted solely to photography.

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 39
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  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

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