PBA Galleries

The photographs vary in size from approx. 6.5x4 cm. (2½x1½") to 18x23.5 cm. (7x9¼"), some are copy photographs. Glued onto black album leaves, the album is 26x33 cm. (10¼x13"), black flexible cloth.

Superb album featuring many photographs that are apparently unpublished, as well as some better-known views. Several of the photographs are signed or inscribed by Charmian, including one inscribed "Can you believe this is our ancient Cuz in 1930!" with Charmian on horseback. It seems very likely Charmian herself put together the album, indeed the photographs are so varied, and so personal, it is difficult to perceive anyone else having access to them. Included are Jack and Charmian at a picnic, with a bottle of wine; a well-known view of Charmian in dress and bonnet sitting on the edge of their boat on land, Jack standing beside her; the inside of London's library; Jack on horseback; Charmian standing by a semi-naked South Sea islander; Charmian posing in a kimono (signed "Mrs. Jack"); a young (about ten years old) Jack in studio setting with a dog; Jack in his underwear sucking his gut in; many of the Londons on their boats, on horseback, swimming and playing, posing with friends, enjoying the tropical sun; with their dog; four small snapshots of a semi-nude Charmian laying and playing in the leaves; and many more. The present owner purchased the album at an estate sale in or near Sonora, California in 1979 or 1980, and upon showing it to the late Russ Kingman some years ago, was told that there were many photographs he himself had never seen. A truly exceptional album.