Steve, these are gorgeous - but you knew that! I wanted to ask about this issue of photographs. Why are prints so expensive and collectable. Being naïve, I assume the owner of the negatives could run off more? Not like linocuts which are 'deliberately' limited either by choice or by the lino/wood block wearing out.
It's debatable if the negatives still exist with prints like these, just because they are so old, and other copies of the photo might be hard to track down. You used to be able to buy prints of Bettie Page from the official archive but I think they sold everything off eventually. Generally, prints are signed and numbered as a limited edition from a gallery, but these old photos were publicity stills sent out to publications back in the day, which is why some of them look a bit battered. The Bunny Yeager photo was from her own collection.
I found a couple of Hurrell prints in a store in upstate NY recently. Both in excellent shape ( Rita Hayworth and Joan Crawford ) but without 'Certificates of Authenticity'. I don't know what that actually means. I should have looked at the backs to see if Hurrell signed them. They weren't cheap enough that I could buy on impulse. Next time I'll look closer.
I've got a Yeager still from Dr No. Ursula talking to Ian Fleming. It's above my workstation as I type. I love it dearly.
Hi Steve, what a beautiful collection. Lately I've been expanding my photography collecting to a few old Hollywood stars, though mostly collectable postcards from the era and a few random European cigarette cards. Anyway, these are wonderful, definitely gets my vote for more!
Bette Davis looking like a charming tomboyish garden gnome was not on my books today!
Ha! Now I can't stop seeing her that way :)
Yes, more please! They are all excellent but I best like the Gary Cooper/Fay Wray pic.
It is stunning, isn't it!
Steve, these are gorgeous - but you knew that! I wanted to ask about this issue of photographs. Why are prints so expensive and collectable. Being naïve, I assume the owner of the negatives could run off more? Not like linocuts which are 'deliberately' limited either by choice or by the lino/wood block wearing out.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
It's debatable if the negatives still exist with prints like these, just because they are so old, and other copies of the photo might be hard to track down. You used to be able to buy prints of Bettie Page from the official archive but I think they sold everything off eventually. Generally, prints are signed and numbered as a limited edition from a gallery, but these old photos were publicity stills sent out to publications back in the day, which is why some of them look a bit battered. The Bunny Yeager photo was from her own collection.
Cracking pics Steve. I love the ones of Bette Davis and Brigitte Helm (always had a soft spot for Metropolis's Maria). More please...
Roger Wilco!
A great collection, I'd love to see more.
I found a couple of Hurrell prints in a store in upstate NY recently. Both in excellent shape ( Rita Hayworth and Joan Crawford ) but without 'Certificates of Authenticity'. I don't know what that actually means. I should have looked at the backs to see if Hurrell signed them. They weren't cheap enough that I could buy on impulse. Next time I'll look closer.
I've got a Yeager still from Dr No. Ursula talking to Ian Fleming. It's above my workstation as I type. I love it dearly.
I just Googled 'Dr No. Ursula talking to Ian Fleming'. What a great shot! I can see why you have it above your workstation.
Hi Steve, what a beautiful collection. Lately I've been expanding my photography collecting to a few old Hollywood stars, though mostly collectable postcards from the era and a few random European cigarette cards. Anyway, these are wonderful, definitely gets my vote for more!
The postcards are great. I have a few of those too.
What an astonishing collection! Would absolutely love to see more
Thanks, will do!
Encore, encore!
👍