AARONS, Slim (1917 – 2006)
Coral Beach, Bermuda. 1977.
Archival pigment print.
Edition of 150.

Estate-stamped.
Available in the following sizes:

12 x 16 inches
16 x 20 inches  
20 x 24 inches  
30 x 40 inches  
40 x 60 inches

Prices may vary according to when order is placed.

General comments

The magnificent natural beauty captured in this image of Coral Beach, Bermuda (1977) represents a crystallization of a certain social milieu for which, in addition to his portraiture, Aarons was and is most famous. One of the leading private clubs on the island, and still in operation as such today, during the hey-day of tourism on the island it was a favourite destination with the jet-set who globe-trotted to this island jewel in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.  Aarons came to Bermuda in 1957, 1967 and 1977. The Coral Beach Club still exists today.

Biography

Born in New Hampshire in 1917, Aarons was raised on his grandparent's farm.  He joined the Army at the age of eighteen hoping that he might see the world.  During World War II he served as a combat photographer within the Eighth Army Division, working for Yank magazine. He met some of the top photojournalists of the time and earned a Purple Heart. After Aarons was honorably discharged, he was asked to continue his work as a war photographer but he declined the offer. Having survived the brutality of war, Aarons was eager to leave photographs of human suffering behind. After the violence he witnessed… Aarons decided that the only beaches he wanted to invade in the future were "decorated with beautiful girls tanning in a tranquil sun".

As an affable and stylish young man, Aaron's found magazine work with Town and Country, Holiday, Life and Travel and Leisure. Through editorial work Aaron's gained access to the world's most elite and exclusive playgrounds of the world, within these social circles he found a world of opulence so unlike the war he left behind. His journey began in Hollywood and took him all over the world.

Most active in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s in 1974 Slim Aaron's book A Wonderful Time was published – it is considered a classic.  The book became a cult favorite in the fashion world. Art directors and designers often look to his work for inspiration.  "It was a perfect world that he put together," said designer Anna Sui.  She calls his book A Wonderful Time "the quintessential guide for good taste."

Later, in 2003, Once Upon A Time was published which further chronicled a life of leisure as seen through the camera of Aarons’ work , followed by A Place in the Sun in 2005. ( In 2007 Poolside With Slim Aarons was published with Introduction by William Norwich).

Aarons died in 2006, at the age on 89.

If asked how he became a society photojournalist recording the world’s jet-set utopia, he’d reply: "What the hell did we fight in the war for if it wasn’t to make the world a better place to live in and occasionally enjoy? From now on, I’m going to walk on the sunny side of the street. I’m going to have fun photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places and maybe take some attractive photographs as well."

He is regarded as one of the most influential photographers of his generation.

---

[Anonymous].
Norwood. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.
Inscribed lower left, "Norwood. Hamilton. Bermuda."

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 inches
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Typical Bermuda Cottage. Hamilton. Bermuda. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.
Inscribed lower left, "Typical Bermudian Cottage. Hamilton. Bermuda."

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
View of Salt Kettle. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Road in Paget. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Hamilton from Paget. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
View from Paget. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Devonshire Church. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Natural Arch at Tucker's Town. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Bermuda Cottage. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Devil's Hole. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Hamilton Hotel ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Mangroves ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
The Churches at Gibb's Point ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18.5 x 23.5 cm.
Image size with margins: 25.5 x 30.5 cm.
Image size: 7.25 x 9.25 in.
Image size with margins: 10 x 12 in.

[Anonymous].
Town of Hamilton. ca. 1890.
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
Orinoco ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
Landing from Orinoco ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
Hamilton from Fort ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
Street View in Port Royal ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
Palmettos ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
Street View from Hill ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
View of Town ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

[Attributed to] JAMES, W. T.
Hamilton Hotel looking North-Eeast ca. 1890.
Inscribed on verso in pencil in a later (probably 20th. Century) hand  [Attributed to] "W.T.James".
Albumen photo on acidic board.

Image size: 18 x 22.7 cm.
Image size with margins: 18.7 x 23 cm.
Image size: 7 x 8.8 in.
Image size with margins: 7.25 x 9.1 in.

Biography

William T. James was born in Bermuda on April 2, 1845, attended Mr. Dean's school, and then, at the tender age of 14, went into business with T.H.Pitt. He founded his own business at about the age of 26, W.T.James & Co. He came to develop deep roots in the Bermudian community, particularly the business community. At one point, he owned a business on Front Street, just round the corner from Burnaby Hill, next to N.E. Lusher & Sun, where it is thought that James too sold his photographs. James's business concerns were extensive. He was President of the Bank of Bermuda, a founding member of the Bermuda Telephone Company and he held lucrative provision contracts with the military up at Prospect. He made attempts to develop Arrowroot in Bermuda at his property "Bellevue" in Paget (having imported it from St. Lucia) though the industry faltered and subsequently failed. He was also  local agent (successfully) for a shipping company. He was Mayor of Hamilton for 3 years from 1906.  He subsequently died at his summer home "Paradise" in Nova Scotia, but was buried in Bermuda at Wesley Cemetery which seems to suggest where his strong feeling for the island to which he contributed.

Mason & Co, London.

Aubrey George Spencer (1795-1872), BISHOP of BERMUDA, NEWFOUNDLAND & JAMAICA. ca. 1860’s.

Carte-de-visite photo.

4 x 2.5 inches (103 x 63mm).

Condition

It has lost some contrast towards the edges, but the main body of the image is in good condition.

General comments

Please note the other Bishop Aubrey work under Books of Bermuda Interest.

A carte-de-visite is a stiff piece of card and was a formal visiting card of the 1850’s period and thereafter ( hence the name ). Patented in 1854 by A.A.E. Disderi (1819-1889) and popularized by him in the following decade, cartes normally bore carefully posed full-length studio portraits, often of celebrities. They were gradually replaced in the public’s esteem by the cabinet card during the late 1870’s.

Biography

Bishop Spencer was ordained in 1819 and having held various curacies was appointed first bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Newfoundland and Bermuda in 1839 which he held for four years. In 1843 he was appointed the second Bishop of Jamaica where he worked for ten years before retiring to England. During his life he published numerous poems as well as a volume of "Sermons on Various Subjects".

WESTON, Cole. (1919-2003)

Sunrise, St George, Bermuda. ca. 1970

Fuji crystal archive print.

Estate-stamped, signed, and authenticated by the trust.

Limited to edition of 150.

16 x 24 inches. (40.6 x 61 cm.)


Comments specific to this work

"Sunrise, St George, Bermuda" a moody image with blues, purples and darker hues where the rays of the sun are golden was photographed on the yacht "Scaldis" when Cole was traveling with other family members to Bermuda. As one of Cole’s sons remembers that morning: "He (Cole) told me the boat was on dry dock ( i.e. St. George’s dock) and that they were having their first cup of coffee when our father came up from below and saw this incredible sunrise and made this photograph." 

Biography

Cole Weston, born on January 30, 1919 in Los Angeles, was the fourth and youngest son of famed 20th Century photographer, Edward Henry Weston. Cole received his first camera, a 4 by 5 Autograflex, from his brother Brett in 1935. Cole graduated with a degree in theater arts from the Cornish School in Seattle in 1937 and then served in the Navy during World War II as a welder and photographer. After his discharge from the Navy in 1945 Cole worked for Life Magazine. In 1946 he moved to Carmel to assist his father Edward. During this time Eastman Kodak started sending their new color film, Kodachrome, for Edward to try out. Cole took this opportunity to experiment with this new medium and eventually became one of the world’s great masters of fine art color photography.

In 1957 Cole began shooting his first color photographs of the magnificent Big Sur coast, Monterey Peninsula and central California. At this time he carried on his own portrait business while assisting his ailing father, who passed away in 1958. Edward had authorized Cole to print from Edward’s negatives after his death, so Cole continued printing Edward’s work while pursuing his own fine art photography.

In 1975 Cole began lecturing and conducting workshops on his father’s photography as well as his own. With his work in the theater arts Cole was a natural when it came to teaching and lecturing and his many students still comment on what a great workshop he gave. He traveled throughout the United States, England, Europe, Russia, Mexico, New Zealand and the South Pacific photographing and inspiring others with his characteristic enthusiasm and charm.

In 1988 after three decades devoted to printing his father’s work, Cole at last set aside his responsibility to Edward’s legacy and refocused on his own photography. Cole had his first solo exhibition in San Francisco in 1971. Since then, his work has been featured in more than sixty exhibitions worldwide and has been collected by museums throughout the United States and Europe. His work has been featured in numerous gallery shows and publications with three monographs and numerous articles having been published on his exquisite photography. Michael Hoffman from Aperture Publications once quoted, "In the history of photography there are but a few masters of color photography, Cole Weston is assuredly one of these masters of the medium whose dramatic powerful images are a source of great joy and pleasure". Cole passed away from natural causes on April 20th, 2003.