Ansel Adams Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles
ANSEL ADAMS
Born: February 20, 1902 in San Francisco, California
Died: April 22, 1984 in Carmel, California
One of America's most famed photographers, ANSEL ADAMS (1902-1984) wrote this letter from his family home in San Francisco, where he had lived since 1903. Less than one year later, a pensive Adams would relocate to a magnificently designed new home at Carmel, California, which provided him with a needed change, a stunning ocean view and a more suitable work and exhibit space. In the winter of 1960, only a few months before he sent this letter, Adams had created one of his all-time favorite and most widely recognized photographs, the dramatic Moon and Half Dome, Yosemite National Park. Credited with forging the advent of photography as an accepted form of fine art, the former student of music did not approach the field seriously until 1927. By 1932, he had co-founded the innovative Group f/64, which included noted colleagues Willard Van Dyke, Imogen Cunningham and Edward Weston. The Group set a new direction for creative photography by promoting it on its own merits rather than as an imitation of other art forms, which had been the accepted practice in those days. Adams published his first book, Making a Photograph (1935), and taught photography at the Art Center School in Los Angeles in 1940. It was there that he developed the instructional technique called the Zone System: a process of predetermining the tonal values of the subject to be photographed that will reproduce in the final print. This system revolutionized the approach to photography for students and professionals. In securing a place for photography as a fine art, Adams directed the world's first collection of photographs at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. A fervent conservationist since his youth, he served as a long-time Director of the Sierra Club. Adams' love of nature and passion for photography are emphasized in his books, including My Camera in the National Parks (1950), Photographs of the Southwest (1976) and Ansel Adams, An Autobiography (1985). In 1980, Adams was honored with the National Medal of Freedom, presented by President Jimmy Carter, for his visionary efforts to preserve nature's beauty "both on film and on Earth."
Film Credits
2013-Electrode-Universe (Art), 1957-Ansel-Adams,-Photographer (in person), 1962-Ben-Casey (Art), 2002-The-American-Experience (Other)
Style
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ANSEL ADAMS - ANNOTATED TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/07/1959 - HFSID 172426Memo from Ansel Adams, dated January 7, 1959, is signed “Ansel.” Discussing New Year's cards and a damages claim against the post office, it reflects Adams' communication with Nicholas Dean, a fellow photographer. The memo includes personal notes and original spelling.Price: $700.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - ANNOTATED TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/12/1957 - HFSID 172431Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated January 12, 1957, addressed to Nick Dean. Written on personal letterhead, it includes personal notes and requests. Adams mentions his activities and expresses delight in meeting Dean's family, adding a request for mail forwarding.
Sale Price $675.00
$800.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - ANNOTATED TYPED LETTER SIGNED 07/29/1957 - HFSID 172432Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated July 29, 1957, addressed to Nick Dean, discusses various photography-related topics and expresses gratitude for Dean's letter. The letter is on Adams' personal letterhead and reflects his engagement with the photography community.
Price: $775.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - ANNOTATED TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/31/1957 - HFSID 172452Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated December 31, 1957, includes a personal message reflecting on friends and nostalgia. The letter features Adams' printed personal address and showcases his notable status as a prominent American photographer.
Sale Price $495.00
$600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - ANNOTATED TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/31/1957 - HFSID 172430Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated December 31, 1957, discusses issues with gilding in engravings. Addressed to Nick Dean, it reflects on technical challenges and expresses appreciation for Dean's approach. It is written on Adams' personal letterhead.
Price: $800.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - ANNOTATED TYPED LETTER UNSIGNED 01/23/1963 - HFSID 176720Annotated typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated January 23, 1963, sent to Meroe. The letter, typed on personal letterhead, discusses technical challenges in photography, containing grammar mistakes and notes in an unknown hand. It remains unsigned.
Sale Price $245.00
$300.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - AUTOGRAPH NOTE SIGNED 09/22/1957 - HFSID 172476Letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated September 22, 1957, discussing his career and new home. The autograph note includes a handwritten message to "Nick" about using the hotel address for letters, printed on Hawaiiana Hotel letterhead.
Sale Price $495.00
$600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - INSCRIBED PICTURE POSTCARD SIGNED 02/03/1975 - HFSID 255423Picture postcard signed by Ansel Adams, inscribed: "For Lionel A./Aucoin/Best Wishes/Ansel Adams/Carmel, California/2.3.75" on the verso. It depicts his photograph of "Bridalveil Falls/Yosemite National Park, California." Adams was known for capturing America's natural beauty.
Price: $550.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - MENU SIGNED 08/16/1953 - HFSID 87933Menu signed by Ansel Adams from the Ahwahnee in Yosemite Valley, dated August 16, 1953. Includes Young Lake, Yosemite photograph on the facing page. Adams was a prominent nature photographer known for capturing America's natural beauty.
Price: $1,600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - PICTURE POST CARD SIGNED - HFSID 131629Postcard signed by Ansel Adams on verso, depicting his photograph Trailside, near Juneau, Alaska. Adams is known for his work capturing America's natural beauty and was a significant figure in photographic education and conservation efforts.
Sale Price $745.00
$900.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - PICTURE POST CARD SIGNED - HFSID 74717Photograph of the Redwoods in California, signed on the verso by Ansel Adams. It depicts his work Redwoods, Northern California. Adams, a renowned photographer, is recognized for his impactful landscape photography of the American West.
Price: $900.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - POEM SIGNED CIRCA 1960 - HFSID 172502Poem signed by Ansel Adams, dated ca. 1960, includes a personal message stating, “Honest, its coming! I am home from the Southland, and am glad! Much more soon. Hope all is well with you and yours.” Signed in red ink.
Price: $800.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER FRAGMENT SIGNED - HFSID 172500Letter fragment signed by Ansel Adams discussing the Sierra Club's ousting of David Brower. The typed text contains grammatical mistakes and reflects on Brower's charisma and financial struggles. Adams was a renowned photographer known for his landscape work in the American West.
Sale Price $845.00
$1,000.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/02/1959 - HFSID 172419Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated January 2, 1959, addressed to Nick Dean, discussing outstanding debts related to the Weston Portfolio. Adams requests a simple note regarding the account status, emphasizing it is not a demand for payment.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/04/1962 - HFSID 172484Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated "1-4-63," on the verso of a postcard, sending New Year's wishes to a couple in Massachusetts and noting his illness. The correspondence reflects Adams' connection with photographer Nick Dean.
Price: $360.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/12/1959 - HFSID 172487Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated January 12, 1959, discussing errands he needs to complete. The letter includes a personal note regarding communication with the Kennedys. Adams was a prominent American photographer known for his landscape work.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/20/1961 - HFSID 172483Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated January 20, 1961, contains a pencil signature. The message expresses gratitude and intentions to respond soon. Adams is renowned for his landscape photography and contributions to social reform through his works.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/15/1971 - HFSID 172469Letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated February 15, 1971, discussing scholarships for gifted students at his workshops. Typed on his personal letterhead, the letter references a call from Katy Mazzeo. Adams is known for his significant contributions to American landscape photography.
Price: $1,000.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/20/1962 - HFSID 172457Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated February 20, 1962, discussing weather frustrations and personal updates. The letter includes his printed address. Adams, a renowned American photographer, is known for his landscape images and dedication to social reform.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/24/1960 - HFSID 172494Letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated February 24, 1960, discussing his friend's exhibit and requesting details about the "Picket-Gate" picture. The letter includes Adams' printed address and is typed with his signature appearing as Ansel.
Sale Price $495.00
$600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/29/1960 - HFSID 172486Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams congratulates a friend on their new exhibition, dated February 29, 1960. The letter includes printed address and expresses personal sentiments about photography. Adams was a renowned American photographer known for his landscape work.
Sale Price $495.00
$600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/07/1960 - HFSID 172474Letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated March 7, 1960, discussing various projects. Typed on personal letterhead, it includes a quote about simplicity. Adams was a renowned American photographer known for his landscape photography of the American West.
Price: $1,000.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/15/1971 - HFSID 172498Postcard signed by Ansel Adams, dated March 15, 1971, contains a typed message discussing his recovery from a gastric ulcer. The verso displays a black and white image of a mountain. The message includes grammatical errors, reflecting Adams' personal touch.
Price: $900.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/18/1965 - HFSID 172480Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams dated March 18, 1965, discussing his workshops and inviting participation. The letter contains a message about the workshop's potential and is a one-page document. Adams, a renowned American photographer, is known for his landscape photography.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/18/1959 - HFSID 172497Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated April 18, 1959, expresses regret for missing a meeting. The message is signed in pencil, showcasing his personal touch. Adams is known for his significant contributions to American landscape photography.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/20/1971 - HFSID 84383Typed letter signed: "Ansel," dated April 20, 1971, addressed to Henwar and Olga, discussing upcoming plans including trips to Yosemite. Adams adds a personal note about his health and diet, along with a humorous remark about writing style.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/21/1968 - HFSID 172456Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated April 21, 1968, discussing the Sierra Club elections. The letter features his signature and reflects his engagement in political matters. Adams is recognized for his influential landscape photography of the American West.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/22/1976 - HFSID 87698Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated April 22, 1976, introducing his friend Ka Morias. The letter, written on personal letterhead, expresses confidence in Morias' artistic talent and invites further discussion about his work.
Sale Price $725.00
$850.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/06/1959 - HFSID 172488Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated May 6, 1959, expresses his exhaustion from a recent trip. In part, he states, “Enjoyed the visit with you - terribly sorry it could not have been a longer one. We were POOPED”.
Price: $600.00
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ANSEL ADAMS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 05/09/1965 - HFSID 172458Typed letter signed by Ansel Adams, dated May 9, 1965, discussing his projects and extending greetings. Adams emphasizes a light-hearted perspective on bureaucratic procedures, showcasing his thoughtful communication style. The letter reflects his significant contributions to American photography.
Price: $600.00
