PBA Galleries

Engraved invitation on a folded sheet. Folded size, approximately 7x4½".

A very finely engraved invitation to the April 27, 1872 reception and opening of Watkins' Yosemite Art Gallery at 22 & 26 Montgomery St., San Francisco. No printers mark. Monogrammed CEW on upper portion of card. In 1872 Watkins had been promoting the wonders of Yosemite for over ten years when, in naming his gallery, he officially hitched his wagon to the Yosemite star. A few short years later, 1875, all would be lost when debtor John J. Cook confiscates his entire inventory including a major portion of his negatives selling the lot to Isaiah West Taber. A little over a year later, after re-shooting the views he lost, the resilient Watkins issued his ‘New series’. No other copies located. Provenance: John Carpenter.