Janette Ray - Rare and out of print books

PHOTOGRAPHS ALBUM 330x320mm photograph album with 54 93x131mm colour photographs. Photosleeves detached from stubbs else vg indeed. Images document the design, assembly, and installation of Backus’ architectural mosaic on the Natural Sciences Building of the University of California at Los Angeles (c.1965). TRADE CATALOGUES (4): 1. The Mosaic-Arts Co., Pittsburgh. PA (USA): 180x110mm stiff card with 24 c.15x15x8mm mounted sample tiles, labelled “Italian Smalti (Byzantine).” Catalogue numbers and prices for each sample. 2. Pelv Mosaico Vetroso, Venice: 270x173mm stiff card with 16 c. 25x25x3mm mounted sample tiles, labelled ‘pavimentazioni / rivestimenti’ (floor panelling / wall panelling). (One other called for) Catalogue numbers for each sample. 3. Quality Marble & Granite Co., LA. (USA): 185x240x35mm decorative presentation box with: 1) 290x220mm taped down company headed paper showing mosaic type and pricing 2) pastedown 180mm/230mm stiff card with 96 (2 missing) c. 10mm/15mm/5mm mounted sample tiles. Each numbered, with type notated by hand in ink. Standish Backus was a combat artist during World War II, an expedition artist to the South Pole, an art educator and teacher, and a leading watercolorist in California. He specialized in the watercolor medium and created memorable landscapes and murals. Fascinating collection assembled around one project. 4. Oregon Brass Works, Portland (USA): 295x235mm ring binder with ALS from R. E. Driesner (of Oregon Brass Works) to Standish Backus stapled inside front cover. Binder also includes ALS from Gus Bachofner (of Oregon Brass Works) + 7pp colour catalogue including lettering designs and methods of installation + [4] fold out price lists + [14] catalogue with some colour images. Back pockets of binder also include additional loose catalogue pages. EXHIBITION CATALOGUE: “Operation Palette 1961.” 146x227mm pamphlet with b/w images throughout. Published by the US Navy in conjunction with an exhibition of the art of naval officers, including Standish Backus.