Description

Description: This fascinating typed letter signed is addressed to Beaumont [Newhall], curator and later Director of the George Eastman House. He discusses his work printing negatives of other photographer’s works for the museum. He writes in full: “Dear Beaumont, I am sending by express the set of 22 Genthe pictures which I printed from the negatives belonging to the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.. In the package is a list of the prints, and a short statement which I prepared for Pete Pollack. The prints were made rather soft – I tried to re-create someof [sic] the feeling the old boy got in hie [sic] prints of the period. Just making brilliant prints did not accomplish anything—merely exaggerated the hideous technical quality of the old negatives. I hope you like them for what they are. It was a terrible job!!. I enclose a statement therefor. Now, the Mount Williamson print (large) and the two Bodega Church pictures (Momor[?] mentioned these in his last letter) have not been billed as yet. What should I bill them for??? $50.00 for the large Mount Williamson?? $25.00 each for the Bodega Church??? Let me know; dont wanto [sic] over or under-charge!! Also, there is the list of prints you said you would send some time ago. I am getting the itch to print!!!!!! Much more soon Luff to thee and she—- as ever Mee”.

Accompanying the letter is an invoice for printing the 22 Arnold Genthe negatives… a service for which he charged $200.00.

Both letter and invoice are typed on 11″ x 8 1/2″ stationery imprinted: “Ansel Adams 131 24th Avenue San Francisco 21 California…” Signed exuberantly in red crayon “Ansel”. Several typos corrected in manuscript which we can assume are in Adams’ hand. Item #A01766

Condition: Mailing fold lines, three-hole punched at left blank margin, otherwise very good.