Author Topic: Sothebys Polaroid archives sale by order of the US Bankruptcy Court (Read 9506 times)

Miller · « **on:** May 30, 2010, 11:00:03 AM »

Sad Polaroid archives sell out. Around 1200 articles expected to bring in an estimated 10m (probably less than the lawyers fees).

There may still be legal challenges but I guess the images will now be broken up and put in the domain of private collectors.

Some of the estimate prices are interesting and I wonder if the bidders will be the normal well endowed crowd or passionate polaholics, maybe both.

Will probably be ordering a catalogue for posterity and would love to have seen the exhibition before the break up.

http://www.sothebys.com/minisite/polaroid/slide.html

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2010, 11:07:13 AM »

Miller, that's a good call re ordering a catalogue. I'd love to get hold of one too. I took a look at the site, but couldn't see how to get one. Any help appreciated. Also, if these are going to come from the US we could maybe order several and save on postage? Just a thought.

vicky slater · « **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2010, 01:19:48 PM »

ooh, well depending on cost, i would be interested also.....

calbisu · « **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2010, 01:31:04 PM »

Thanks for sharing MIller

original_ann · « **Reply #4 on:** May 31, 2010, 03:43:09 AM »

omg, how I'd love to go and bid!!!

Miller · « **Reply #5 on:** May 31, 2010, 01:37:24 PM »

Catalogues are normally available a month or so before an auction and cost around 30.00 gbp. I will look into it tomorrow and I'm sure there is a web-site with 'cart' etc.

Firstly, I will contact the London office though as sometimes catalogues can come from UK printers and US postal charges can be ridiculous from some establishments. i.e. a step-up ring from B&H costing around 50 dollars to the UK.

Rgds

Mlr

This-is-damion · « **Reply #6 on:** May 31, 2010, 02:58:24 PM »

ill register my interest as well.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #7 on:** May 31, 2010, 04:20:27 PM »

Likewise.

astrobeck · « **Reply #8 on:** May 31, 2010, 04:34:36 PM »

Yes, a catalog would be nice....I have others from Sothebys and they are quite fine!

Becky

Miller · « **Reply #9 on:** June 01, 2010, 11:37:58 AM »

Ed, Phil, Damion, Vicky and Becky.

I have arranged for (well the secretary has) 6 copies which covers everyone that has expressed an interest.

Should be with me within 7 days I'm informed and cost will be 29.00 gbp.

Please send me a private pm for more info with addresses for forwarding which will be free of charge.

Rgds

Mlr

astrobeck · « **Reply #10 on:** June 01, 2010, 03:06:02 PM »

Wonderful!!!

PM sent!

Francois · « **Reply #11 on:** June 01, 2010, 04:29:07 PM »

Just to say I just called the Toronto office (here in Canada).
Including shipping & taxes, the catalog will cost me 59.89$ CAN

If you're in Canada, their toll free number is 1-800-263-1774

Or in the States 212-606-7000 for their New York offices.

The girl on the phone said the catalog is very well printed and very nice. She also said I should get my copy by the end of the week...
I think the mailman better have some strong arms

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #12 on:** June 01, 2010, 04:31:02 PM »

Many thanks for sorting this out, Miller.

PM sent!

moominsean · « **Reply #13 on:** June 01, 2010, 07:39:00 PM »

i just ordered it from the website. $53 was the total in the US.

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #14 on:** June 01, 2010, 10:32:30 PM »

Cheers, Mr Miller. You're a star. I'll send you a PM.

Francois · « **Reply #15 on:** June 01, 2010, 10:36:56 PM »

I know I was super lucky since they had only one copy in Toronto!
And it's coming my way... I hope I won't be disappointed...

astrobeck · « **Reply #16 on:** June 01, 2010, 11:02:13 PM »

Quote from: Francois on June 01, 2010, 10:36:56 PM

I know I was super lucky since they had only one copy in Toronto!
And it's coming my way... I hope I won't be disappointed...

You won't be disappointed!

I have a couple of their other catalogs and they are very nicely done.
The print quality is exceptional. I feel like they are collectible themselves.

Can't wait to get mine!!!!!!!

vicky slater · « **Reply #17 on:** June 02, 2010, 11:03:30 PM »

Thanks, Miller!!
That's really good of you!

vicky slater · « **Reply #18 on:** June 03, 2010, 05:13:00 AM »

A taster....

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2010/may/30/photography-polaroid?

astrobeck · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2010, 05:43:50 AM »

scrumptious!

When you can have Polaroid, who needs dessert?

Roger Thoms · « **Reply #20 on:** June 04, 2010, 05:39:52 AM »

Well, ordered a catalog, as that is about as close as I'll get to bidding on any of the work.

Roger

Francois · « **Reply #21 on:** June 04, 2010, 07:06:35 PM »

Look at what the mail truck just brought me

480 pages of Polaroid goodness!

I couldn't wait to show it off

Now I realize I don't have enough money to buy anything in that catalog...

[Sorry, image deleted during forum software upgrade. Please re-upload if so inclined.]

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #22 on:** June 04, 2010, 07:27:50 PM »

Francois, are you trying to look smug there? If so it is working and you have me dribbling in anticipation of receiving mine!

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #23 on:** June 04, 2010, 07:56:08 PM »

Well done, Francois, for being first out of the gate and may I also compliment you on your freshly laundered shirt.

You know, w/ reference to Roger(rtbadman)'s comment just up the thread a little, I have no hesitation in saying that I'd rather own a catalogue of 480-ish images for around GBP30 than the vast majority of the originals contained within this collection. To be sure, a whole lot of the prints made from 55 and 665 would be wonderful to have on the wall, but I'd much rather have this book than the odd original SX-70 or any of the Type 600 positives...now if I could have ALL of the originals that would be a different matter, but I think a lot of what's appealing about this collection is exactly that...it's a collection. It won't be the same broken up.

astrobeck · « **Reply #24 on:** June 04, 2010, 09:18:16 PM »

I'm with you Ed on owning the collection like this.....

However, there are a couple of very tasty single shots in the catalog that I would probably hock my house for if it came right down to it.
Thanks goodness Mr. Ramotowski keeps me in order, otherwise I'd be living in the washroom at the local Y.

Can't wait to get mine. Francois has teased us all terribly!

Francois · « **Reply #25 on:** June 04, 2010, 09:37:36 PM »

I must admit bragging was a large part of it...
That's probably the most I will spend on a book this year! (I usually get everything I read from either the public library or used book sales)

Looking at the catalog, there are only 2 things I kept thinking about:
-Who in their right mind would spend 300,000-500,000US$ on a single print? (even if it's an Adams)
-If I even bought a single print (their cheapest is 3,000-5,000US$), for how much would I have to insure it?

I think I'll make me some high art for cheap...
Load up the old SX-70 Sonar reflex camera with some leftover 600 film, use a cheap ND filter on the front of the lens, find something shot on the same film in the catalog and make a dupe of it

Once framed, nobody will know the difference

And BTW, thanks Ed for making this short sleeve shirt appreciation day

moominsean · « **Reply #26 on:** June 09, 2010, 08:01:12 PM »

it is an amazing book. i like that they take the time to explain the shots and the artists, rather than just being a collection of prints (which are all quite amazing, as well).

also makes you realize that the golden age of photography is most definitely over, and a company like this will never exist again.

Francois · « **Reply #27 on:** June 09, 2010, 10:53:02 PM »

Quote from: moominsean on June 09, 2010, 08:01:12 PM

also makes you realize that the golden age of photography is most definitely over, and a company like this will never exist again.

Well... there's always the Hipstamatic app for the iPhone...
Sad consolation I know.

astrobeck · « **Reply #28 on:** June 09, 2010, 11:00:57 PM »

I'm with Sean on this...the era is over. Regardless of the Impossible Project or Whatever...

That giddy feeling of peeling apart "Polaroid" is gone forever.

I peeled my last captive sheet of Polaroid last month and I've been in mourning ever since.

As they say in the Highlander...."there can be only one"

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #29 on:** June 10, 2010, 12:01:00 AM »

Funnily enough I do tend to agree with you. I stockpiled a lot of film back before the 'fun funds' ran out at Wenn Mansions so I've been somewhat insulated from the demise of Polaroid. I have a shed full of Polacolor 125i and a few packs of Chocolate or Sepia 100 (or whatever the hell it's called) and then of course we have the wonderful Fujifilm instant film for the next while at least...but it was only whilst replying to Bob Notraces on Flickr the other day that I realised I'm down to my last 2 packs of 5x4 sheet film (Type 72 in this case) and that after that I won't be using my beloved 545i holders anymore. In addition I have on pack of Type 500 left for my Joycam; the kids' favourite because the camera looks weird and is silver and they love using it.

Gah...I'm going to go to bed depressed now.

It really is a bloody shame!

moominsean · « **Reply #30 on:** June 10, 2010, 12:26:46 AM »

it's pretty amazing that polaroid gave all these artists access to materials and cameras in exchange for art. i don't think any company today would do something like this, particularly at the scale and cost that polaroid did. i can't even imagine who gets all of this money from the auction, when one single print is estimated to go for $700,000. it would have been nice to have seen the collection donated and displayed in a museum somewhere instead of being used to pay off debt for a company that doesn't even exist anymore.

vicky slater · « **Reply #31 on:** June 10, 2010, 12:35:36 AM »

Same here, Ed, I've only just learnt to use the 545i holder and have very limited number of polaroids to put in it.
Also down to the last few boxes of 600 too.

:((

patois · « **Reply #32 on:** June 10, 2010, 03:26:46 AM »

At one point there was going to be a show in NYC to protest the polaroid archives auction. I don't remember when it was supposed to be but I do know i blew my chance to be in it.

Miller · « **Reply #33 on:** June 10, 2010, 11:32:15 AM »

The link below will throw some more light on things though being on this side of the pond I have no idea if Judge Sam Joyner had any success though I guess not.

http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Rights-battle-over-Polaroid-sale%20/20327

I have visions of the auction house being stormed on the first day by hundreds of Polaholics stopping some bored oligarch's wife bidding on an item.

The party may not be quite over but the alcohol is running out, but our saviour the Impossible Project is re-packaging NOS and selling moonshine.

Lastly, Sotherby's have informed me that the catalogues should be here by Tuesday at the latest. Typically slow but the invoice was prompt.

Rgds

Mlr

edthened · « **Reply #34 on:** June 10, 2010, 02:01:30 PM »

Och a chust got ma catalogue dis mornin an it's pyoor deed brilliant, so ther

moominsean · « **Reply #35 on:** June 12, 2010, 12:00:36 AM »

i've noticed a few typos so far while reading through. some wrong film types listed and they say mapplethorpe used a polaroid 196, which doesn't exist as far as i can tell. 195 i imagine.

Miller · « **Reply #36 on:** June 16, 2010, 06:29:52 PM »

At long last the catalogues have arrived and will be forwarded to those concerned tomorrow.

I must agree that the print quality is the usual exceptional Sothebys standard.... It even smells good.

Also been informed that the catalogue has sold more than expected and the print run will probably deplete fast.

Maybe a future classic as I found out many moons ago when I purchased the Andy Warhol Collection for a paltry sum and is now rare and collectable.

Hmmmm... Auction No.218 with the Rietveld like chair would look good in my bedroom.

Mlr

vicky slater · « **Reply #37 on:** June 16, 2010, 06:39:02 PM »

brilliant!
please let me know where to send the pennies and how many?

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #38 on:** June 16, 2010, 10:21:27 PM »

Eager!

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #39 on:** June 16, 2010, 11:32:51 PM »

HOO-rah!

Cheers, Mister Miller.

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #40 on:** June 18, 2010, 11:32:06 PM »

UPDATE: Book arrived today (along with postcards from Vicky & Piet!). It's delicious. I'm going to bed with it right now. Just try and stop me.

Gold star award to Miller for "Most Selfless Act of 2010" and generally for services above and beyond. Cheers!

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #41 on:** June 19, 2010, 12:12:56 AM »

well, I did have a card through my door today saying there is something for collection at the post office - could it be?

I do hope so!

vicky slater · « **Reply #42 on:** June 19, 2010, 06:56:41 AM »

yay! my book arrived!! how luxurious! thank you very mucho for going to the trouble! paypal?

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #43 on:** June 19, 2010, 01:16:15 PM »

Just got back from the post office. Wow! This is quite a tome and beautiful quality.

Miller, you are a star for organising this - money coming you way!

astrobeck · « **Reply #44 on:** June 19, 2010, 01:28:03 PM »

Yes, hip-hip-hooray for Miller!

Wish we were all near by each other. I'd say let's all go to a pub and celebrate the pages, and then cry in our beers since Polaroid is gone.

Would be a fine tribute!

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #45 on:** June 19, 2010, 07:15:32 PM »

A wonderful thought, Becky!

Gonna land on your doorstep one day soon

moominsean · « **Reply #46 on:** June 20, 2010, 05:57:13 PM »

for those that don't want to buy the catalog...a pdf of the auctions:

http://www.sothebys.com/pdf/2010/30084/N08649.pdf

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #47 on:** June 21, 2010, 12:02:08 AM »

After having leafed through it a few times now all I can say is, "What's with those miniature soldiers?" and "Damn, I want one of those 24 by 20 inch setups". Love. True love.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #48 on:** June 21, 2010, 12:12:18 AM »

I've just flicked through it at the moment. Trying to pull together thoughts and emotions given that what we have before us isn't possible any more. Also reflection on having just caught the tail end of something wonderful. I've been taking photos on film since the mid 70s and yet still missed it!

Still the catalogue is wonderful, as for the miniature soldiers, I'm struggling, Ed!

Roger Thoms · « **Reply #49 on:** June 22, 2010, 02:35:38 AM »

We got our catalog last week and have been enjoying it. Quite a collection of photography, sad to see it broken up, but happy to have the catalog. Miller, thanks for the heads up.

Roger

Author Topic: Sothebys Polaroid archives sale by order of the US Bankruptcy Court (Read 9506 times)

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