Originally in the Collection of Arthur Gray, Cleveland, Ohio
Exhibited
The Arthur Gray Collection, Rachel Davis Fine Arts, Shaker Heights, Ohio, 23 April – 20 May 1994
Literature
Rachel Davis Fine Arts, The Arthur Gray Collection, pl. 62
Catalogue Essay
The image offered here, with its bold abstraction of structure and shadow, demonstrates Bourke-White’s ability to incorporate avant-garde compositional ideas into her commercial and editorial work.
This photograph comes originally from the collection of artist, photographer, and poet Arthur Smith Gray (1884-1976). Based in Cleveland, Gray was a principal figure in the marketing department of Standard Oil of Ohio from 1929 to 1949, where he redesigned nearly every public-facing aspect of the company, creating a consistent and recognizable brand. It is believed that Gray shared darkroom space with Bourke-White during her formative years in Cleveland in the late 1920s. Bourke-White also produced photographs for Standard Oil during Gray’s tenure. The two remained in contact after Bourke-White moved to New York City.
1929 Gelatin silver print. 9 3/8 x 13 3/8 in. (23.8 x 34 cm) Signed and titled calligraphically in pencil on the mount; credit stamp and typed title label affixed to the reverse of the mount.
