Wilbur de Paris at Symphony Hall (Atlantic 1253)
Original vinyl record album cover / Graphic design and photography • Cover photograph by Lee Friedlander; Design by Burt Goldblatt; Distributed by Atlantic Records
Style & Movement
Mid-century Modern graphic design; Early documentary-style jazz photography
Medium & Technique
Color photography, lithographic printing on cardboard with a gloss laminate finish
Creation Period
1957
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 x 12 inches (31 x 31 cm); Square format consistent with 33 1/3 RPM Long Play records
Subject Description
A candid color photograph of jazz trombonist Wilbur de Paris seated on the neoclassical stone steps of Symphony Hall in Boston. He is dressed in a formal overcoat and tie, seated next to a large column base with his instrument case standing vertically beside him. A black poodle sits on the foreground steps, looking toward the left. The left margin features asymmetrical typography in brown and blue lettering.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows signs of aging consistent with a vintage utilitarian object
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $50 USD (depending on the condition of the vinyl record inside)
Auction Estimate
$15 - $40 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced commercial release; likely domestic ownership since the late 1950s/early 1960s as indicated by foxing and wear patterns
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of Atlantic Records' high-quality visual branding in the 1950s. The cover is notable for featuring early work by Lee Friedlander, who later became one of the most influential American photographers, known for his 'social landscape' style.
Notable Features
Includes the 'Atlantic 1253' catalog number; features the distinctive juxtaposition of a formal musician and a poodle, reflecting the sophisticated yet idiosyncratic aesthetic of 1950s jazz culture.
Condition Issues
Visible foxing and brown staining in the upper left white margin; ring wear (circular scuffing) from the record inside; shelf wear on the edges; minor surface abrasions on the laminated print
Conservation Recommendations
Store in a polyethylene outer sleeve to prevent further ring wear; maintain in a climate-controlled environment (50-70°F, 35-50% humidity) to stop the progression of foxing