Auction: Photographs, October 28, 2008 @Bonhams & Butterfields

The photography sales at Butterfields (now Bonhams & Butterfields with its British parent) have always been a low key, California kind of affair. There is usually a major emphasis on West Coast photographers, and lots of work at generally low/fair prices. I've always thought these sales were a bit overlooked by collectors, with a little less cut throat competition and a few more bargains.

The upcoming sale, although being held in New York, still has the old Butterfields vibe. Who else but Butterfields would put a Weston kitty on the cover? There are a total of 222 lots up for sale, for a total high estimate of $1439000. Here's the breakdown:

Total Low lots (high estimate of $10000 and lower): 202
Total Low estimate (sum of high estimates of Low lots): $965000

Total Mid lots (high estimate between $10000 and $50000): 19
Total Mid estimate: $384000

Total High lots (high estimate above $50000): 1
Total High estimate: $90000

Here are some lots of interest to us:

• Lot 69 Dr. Dain Tasker, X-Ray of Amazon Lily, 1930s
• Lot 70 Dr. Dain Tasker, X-Ray of Hanging Fuschia, 1930s (at right)
• Lot 78 Alphonse Bernoud, Images of Flowers, c1870
• Lot 105 Max Yavno, Garage Doors, 1947/1970s
• Lot 132, Man Ray, Nusch Eluard, 1935/1960s

There are previews in both New York and San Francisco during October. Definitely worth checking out, especially if Butterfields isn't already on your radar.

Photographs
October 28th

Bonhams & Butterfields
580 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022