At Sammy's in the Bowery, 1944/1993

Through the generosity of Wilma Wilcox, with assistance from the Pace/MacGill Gallery, the estate of Arthur Fellig (a.k.a. Weegee) authorized the production of numbered limited editions (100 prints each) of In the Paddy Wagon and At Sammy's in the Bowery in 1993 to benefit BAM. Developed from the original 4 x 5 inch negatives, these 11 x 14 inch gelatin silver prints were the first editions of Weegee's work created for public sale since his death in 1968.

During the 1930s and 1940s, Weegee prowled the streets of Manhattan, photographing over 5,000 stories for the Herald Tribune, Daily News, Post, and Sun. The only press photographer permitted to have a police radio in his car, Weegee was frequently the first to arrive at a crime scene often before the police. Weegee would then develop his film in a makeshift darkroom located in the trunk of his Chevrolet. When he wasn't scooping other members of the press Weegee captured intimate portraits of working class New Yorkers out on the town reveling in life's basic pleasures. The BAM editions are representative of Weegee's work, expressing sentiments ranging from unabashed merriment to infamous disgrace.

In order to properly capture the depth and character of the original images, the editions are printed on single weight KodaBromide paper, and then individually ferrotyped to provide a gloss finish. BAM was fortunate enough to locate a workshop skilled in this antique process, and the end result is indisputably successful.

Born Usher Fellig, 1899, Złoczów, Austria; d. 1968, New York, Weegee's one-word professional moniker evoked both the Ouija board game and the squeegee used to remove excess ink from newspaper printing presses. A New York news photographer throughout the 1930s and early 40s, he seemed to appear wherever there was a breaking story, especially if it involved a grisly crime scene, deadly fire, or nocturnal disaster. He was the first reporter in New York to secure a permit for a police-band radio, which may explain Weegee's success in arriving at crime scenes before other reporters and photographers. His first book of photographs, Naked City, was published in 1945 and became a surprise bestseller.

All our frames are manufactured in the USA, using eco-friendly and sustainably sourced engineered hardwood for durability and a uniform finish that is free of defects. Frames are available in Black or White Satin and Honey Pecan.

All prints are hinged to a conservation quality, acid-free and lignin-free Alpha Cellulose matboard, using an acid-free linen tape. The mat's surface paper is fade and bleed resistant and is attached to a conservation quality foam-core mounting board that will keep the work safe from deterioration over time. Artworks with a deckled or decorative edges will be floated on the matboard, with acrylic spacers to separate the art from the glazing. All mounting is fully reversible, without any potential damage to the art.

All of our frames come with picture quality .090 mm plexiglass, which blocks 66% of UV to prevent color fading from exposure to light, keeping your art protected for years to come. It is now considered the industry standard for artists, museums and galleries throughout the world.

For images up to 30" x 40"

• 1 1/4” wide, 3/4” deep, with a 2 1/2” wide mat.
• We generally leave 1/4” - 1/2” of paper showing around the image, to accommodate signatures and for visual appeal.

For sheet sizes larger than 30” x 40" please contact an Artspace advisor for a custom quote.

Our art editions ship in 7 to 10 business days from New York.

Our framed art editions ship in 11 to 14 business days from New York.

This work is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt of delivery.

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