Todd Webb (1905-2000)
Sixth Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets, New York, March 24, 1948, 1948
8-part gelatin silver panoramic print, printed later; the last print signed, titled, and dated in pencil on the reverse, framed.
9 1/4 x 74 in. (23.5 x 188 cm.)

Footnotes:
Provenance
Christie's London, 17 May 2006, Sale 7226, Lot 67
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Note
Todd Webb's panoramic view of New York City's Sixth Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets is both a testament to a bygone era as well as a technical tour de force. On a March day in 1948, he captured this single block in eight images, each measuring 10-by-8 inches, which he then used to create this montage that measures more than six feet long. Webb marked the sidewalk with chalk at the exact spots where he needed to position his large-format camera – no easy feat when working around traffic, changing light conditions, and pedestrian movement. The final image documents in minute detail the small shops and restaurants which have long since been demolished. At the far left can be seen Hanover House Hotel, where Woody Guthrie wrote the song 'The Land is Your Land' in 1940. The astounding image was later chosen by the State Department for exhibition at Expo 58, the 1958 World's Fair held in Brussels.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: W
W If the lot is not picked up immediately following the auction it may be removed to an offsite storage location for collection. Please contact the salesroom location for further details including dates of removal and applicable charges.

This impressive panorama comprised of 8 panels, each trimmed to the image, is in generally excellent condition. Upon close examination under raking light, the following are visible: sharp creases across the lower right corner of panel 8, the left corner of panel 7, the lower right corner of panel 4, the upper right corner of panel 2, the upper left and right and lower right corners of panel 1; and a tiny pinpoint-sized impression at the upper edge of panel 1. Minute chipping and gentle wear is present along some of the print edges, and the upper edge of panel 4 is trimmed slightly unevenly.

On the reverse of panel 8, '6th Ave. Panel, New York' is written in the photographer's hand in pencil. '8' [circled] is written in an unidentified hand in pencil on the same plate, possibly a sequencing number.

Please note that the panorama is hinged to the backing-board on all sides, rendering a complete examination of the reverse impossible. Sold framed.