Collection of 7 Typed Signed Letters from Ansel Adams to Nick Dean

San Francisco and Honolulu, 1958-1962. Fine. A Collection of 7 Typed Signed Letters from Ansel Adams to Nick Dean, presented in three custom boxes, as follows: Group of 5 Typed Letters, Signed by Ansel Adams, in custom box. Hawaii and California, 1958. Five typed letters, all of them signed by Ansel Adams, with his handwritten corrections and asides. (And, too charming not to mention: Where letters have punch-holes for a 3-ring binder, Adams doodles faces around the holes). Most are one page with text on both sides, two are one page with text on the recto only. Dated 4 February 1958 to 7 July 1958, some are typed on Memos from Honolulu, others on Adams' personal stationery, imprinted with his San Francisco address. Adams covers the gamut -- from the personal to the professional, from the highly technical to the more philosophical. He remarks on his readings (Dylan Thomas) and also writes, "I am terribly worried about photography and my/our place in it. The MMA business under Steichen is a very depressing and destructive situation," but he also talks excitedly about film, different types of cameras, and darkroom chemistry and techniques. Includes an interesting list compiled by Adams for Dean, of his nominations for an upcoming photography exhibition -- it offers 28 photographers, 18 of which have little checkmarks in red ink next to them. Marginalia reveals the checkmarks to mean "AA choice -- Shhh!" Adams' passion for photography as well as the landscape are revealed again and again, throughout. One aside: "All Washington is trembling with abject fear! I sent off a telegram in the form of a blast to the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce and to the Director of the NPS on the Tenaya Lake desecration. The battle is joined! I could not take any more of it. Tell Rosy to get the locals ready for a big fight!" / Typed Letter Signed by Ansel Adams. San Francisco, 1961. Three pages typed on the rectos only, the first on Adams' personal stationery (imprinted with his name, San Francisco address, and phone number) and the last two on plain white paper. Signed by Adams, with a few handwritten asides and corrections. A dense, wonderful letter, addressed "Dear Nick and Zabette." Adams talks about the construction of his house in Carmel ("road entrance about 1500 feet down the road from Edward Weston's place...") and his rough year ("I have been low in imagination and only medium in health"), but the tone is overwhelmingly introspective, philosophical, serious, and kind. Adams discusses the state of Modern Photography and Art at length, what he feels his early influences and "breaks" were, and how to make a living at creative photography while staying enthusiastic and true to oneself. Compelling and touching. In fine condition, housed in a lavish custom box (cloth, backed in green morocco, with gilt-stamped lettering on spine). / Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams. California, 1962. Two full pages, typed letter, signed "Ansel," with his handwritten corrections and asides, dated March 17, 1962. On Adams' personal stationery, imprinted with his name, address (24th Avenue, San Francisco), and phone number. Addressed "Dear Nick," Adams congratulates him on an upcoming exhibit, discusses a Polaroid book, cameras (Type 49, Type 55 P/N), the completion of his house in Carmel, health and injuries (or lack thereof), a De Cordova exhibit (and Nick's critique of it), and then goes on to examine the state of photography ("commercial photography is getting worse...") and other photographers (including Minor, "Jerry," and Don Worth). Perhaps best of all, Adams' thoughts on Art are interspersed throughout, including (but certainly not limited to), "I am beginning to think that the trouble with Art is when it becomes Art!" A wonderful letter, revealing both the personal and professional sides of a renowned American photographer. In fine condition, housed in a blue cloth chemise with gilt-stamped leather spine label. / Overall, a spectacular collection -- all letters are in fine condition, housed in 3 lavish custom boxes, one for each year (1958, 1961, 1962). For further details, please send us an inquiry.