The Art of Edward Weston
New York: E. Wehye, 1932. Frontis portrait by Brett Weston. Edition limited to 550 numbered copies, this copy unnumbered and out of series. Rebound in variegated yellow-brown burlap, plain smooth leather backed boards, marbled endpapers, 5 raised bands. Full text block printed on Artisan enamel paper. Book designed by Merle Armitage. 13.75 x 10.5" Corners worn and lower edge lightly frayed, some pages marginally toned, front and rear endpapers offset by leather and cloth turn-ins, a very good copy in custom cut mylar. Item #223638
Colorful cultural impresario and adventurous book designer, Merle Armitage (1893-1975) was a strong supporter and patron of both Edward and Brett Weston. A daring California original, whose graphic design work exemplified a distinctive West Coast sensibility, he understood the creative relationship between the photograph and typography, the paper it was printed on, and the binding that defined it. Original and innovative and open to possibility, Armitage's book design expressed the qualities that characterized the work of the Westons. In Brett's book, Armitage's choice of textured paper for the text is juxtaposed with the sharp clarity of the pictures. In EW's book, a costly production made possible by subscription, it's the format and production values that immediately strike one as bold and brilliant to the eye and true to the art.
This first book appearance of Weston's photographs was awarded one of the Best Books of the Year by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).
With short pieces by Lincoln Steffens, Charles Sheeler, Arthur Miller, Jean Charlot, and Merle Armitage. Includes A Statement by Edward Weston.
Signed in rare early full signature by Weston on the colophon.
Price: $650.00