Picture Perfect: $45 Bucks to $200 Million
A 1937 fire in photographer Ansel Adams' studio was believed to have destroyed 5,000 of his photographic plates. But fortunately for Rick Norsigian, 65 of them apparently survived (video). Norsigian, who makes a hobby of picking through garage sales for unwanted treasures, purchased two boxes of photographic plates a decade ago for $45. Appraisers now believe this collection to be worth at least $200 million. The images date from between 1919 and the early 1930s, and most appear to have never been printed. A few, however, are nearly identical to some of Adams' most important work. Norsigian is currently trying to find buyers for the images. Just another reminder to keep digging, folks. There's still plenty of great stuff out there just waiting to be discovered! (via AquaVelvet)
- 07.27.10