Art question - value / appraisal

[LWJ]

Hello
Yes i bought something that needs to go on the antiques roadshow. I bought a version of "clearing winter storm." It a photo by a guy with the last name of Adams. I am not putting the firdt name as I don't want a robo search to pick this up. The back of the picture says "Bracebridge Dinner 1973." Sort of funny, as this dinner was hosted by mr. Adams for years and 1973 was his last year. It also says "christmas menu" and "photography by george waters san francisco" on the back.

The size of this picture is different than the lithographs I find on the internet. Also, I don't know if it is a litho or a silver gelatin print or some other technology. I do know is is very luminous and three dimensional. I like it and sort of hope it has low value so I won't be tempted to sell.

I see a foundation owns most of the rights to Mr. adams's work and am not motivated to contact a firm that may file legal arrows my direction. Any thoughts on how to proceed?

Thanks
Larry

[john70t]

I can see why you'd have some hesitancy.
The art world is dangerous.

1). If it was a non-authorized reprint of a print, it would probably be banned on the open market.
They could even try and make you destroy it.

2). Perhaps establishing the type of printing process might help determine when it was done.
The writing or stamp on back might be the same mark as his usual assistant/printer on file.
A little research wouldn't hurt.

3). Also establish a chain of ownership as best as possible.
The print could have been owned by a New York millionaire who was robbed back in '72.
"That's my grandma's picture, I want it back"...

I'm just thinking aloud here. Not much help.

[LWJ]

Thanks. I am hesitant to remove if from the frame as there is some critical data on the back. Currently, I see no signatures or defining marks other that what is written on the back.

What i really think? I think Mr. Adams had his most famous work printed on the front of a menu for a dinner. There is a fold on the side of the picture. That makes sense sort of although the theme of the Bracebridge Dinner was renaissance I believe so it doesn't quite fit.

If I could figure out the guest list from 1973 and ask someone I would have my answers shortly. I think.

I have to say that I have had some fun with this. Certainly got my money's worth from the thought / research. Plus, I do love the picture. More thoughts welcome.

As for non-authorized, I feel strongly that I could argue the provenance pretty well - as long as Mr. Adams owned the rights for this in 1973.

Chain of ownership most likely won't happen. I can't see there being this sort of value involved to pay for the research.

Most likely, I will stick it on my wall and simply enjoy it along with a little mystery.

I have some other art that also has mystery. It was made by a Chimp named Chloe. It may be my favorite piece. I bought it too at an estate sale. My wife has bugged me for years as to the cost. She will never know.

[deanp]

Maybe contact Waters&Ink (run by the family of Waters) or S Waters (photographer)and ask what connection, if any, George Waters had to the 1973 dinner? George L Waters Jr was a close friend of Adams, was a master printer and printed some of Adam's books including some during that time period.

[Rusty914s]

I don't collect A. Adams nor would I know anything about his work…but,

1. Figure out what you have in your hands…one easy way to see if it's a silver gelatin, if looked at an angle…move it around a bit and should be shiny, like silver. Imagine that.

2. A. Adams was extremely prolific and his work has been pimped out left and right and as far as the eye can see…the work could have been printed, litho'd, etc. after death or during. Doesn't mean much either way outside of value.

3. The lack of signature means nothing, could be signed in back of actual photograph.

4. Do not get rid of the signatures and or paperwork attached to the back of the photo, there is a ton of info, you just don't know what you're looking at.

5. Who was George Waters? Was he a gallerist or an artist?

6. What does the bend in the photo look like?

7. You could contact A. Adams' foundation (I'm assuming that one exists). BTW, they may or may not help…so much of that work exists that it is next to impossible to keep track/doubt that they'll be of much help, never mind banning (lol), making you destroy it (2x lol), and or come after you legally (10x lol).

8. Size sometimes is tricky, you have an edition, then PP, AP, and god knows how many other types. Once the edition is closed out/sold out…some artist may go back to the same image and print it in a different size (thus a different piece of work).

9. Take a pic of the back and posted.

10. Provenance is great if you have something worth while and you sale it…usually stuff that's only a few thousand dollars is exchange with a handshake, if you can find a buyer.

I am not technically correct on all but I am correct as to how the art world mostly behaves. That's all.

[LWJ]

Thank you. Exactly what i was looking for. Great advice.

Larry

Ps - not silver!