(2) Russell Lee (1903-1986) Signed Great Depression Photograph & Book

Lot description

(lot of 2) Photograph and book, each signed Russell Lee (Illinois/ Texas, 1903-1986), including: (1) framed black and white photographic print, "West Virginia, 1946," signed lower right, from the Mine Health and Safety collection, sight: approx 8"h, 10.5"w, overall: approx 18.25"h, 20.25"w; (1) paperback art book: "Russell Lee: Photographer," by F. Jack Hurley, photographer Russell Lee signed with sentiment at front title page, with introduction by Robert Coles, published by Morgan and Morgan, Dobbs Ferry, copyright 1978, 206 pages, approx 9"h, 11.5"w, 0.5"d; 4.5lbs total Note: This photograph is featured on page 138 of the accompanying book. Two additional signed copies of this book offered as separate lots in this auction Provenance: From the estate of Connie Todd (Constance Clare Todd, Austin, Texas, 1941-2024). For many years, Connie Todd was the personal assistant to prominent Austin-based book publisher, photographer, and author Bill Wittliff (William Dale Wittliff, American, active in Austin, Texas, 1940-2019). Bill Wittliff wrote celebrated screenplays such as "Lonesome Dove" (1982), "Legends of the Fall" (1994), and "Barbarosa" (2000), and founded the regionally-oriented publishing company, Encino Press, with his wife Sally in 1963. Connie Todd later served as the founding director of the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University from 1997-2010, transforming it into an internationally-acclaimed collection through noteworthy acquisitions such as the Cormac McCarthy archive. After retiring from Texas State, Connie Todd spent time traveling the world with friends and family.