Wilbur De Paris at Symphony Hall (Album Cover)
Graphic Design / Photography for LP Jacket • Atlantic Records; featuring photography by Burt Goldblatt (credited for many Atlantic covers of this era)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern Jazz Graphic Design
Medium & Technique
Color offset lithography on cardboard sleeve; photography and typography
Creation Period
1957
Dimensions & Format
12.375 x 12.375 inches; Square LP format
Subject Description
A portrait of jazz trombonist Wilbur de Paris sitting on the steps of Boston Symphony Hall, accompanied by an instrument case and a poodle in the foreground. The composition utilizes geometric shadows and architectural lines.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; shows visible age-related wear, foxing, and edge scuffing
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $50 USD (depending on vinyl pressing details)
Auction Estimate
$15 - $30 USD (individual auction lot)
Provenance History
Commercial retail sale via Atlantic Records (Catalog 1253); secondary market vinyl record collection
Art Historical Significance
Represents the golden age of jazz LP design, where photography was used to convey the sophistication and personality of the New Orleans Jazz revivalists.
Notable Features
Original Atlantic black label 'Unbreakable' pressing visible; typography features a mix of serif and sans-serif fonts characteristic of 1950s graphic design.
Condition Issues
Notable foxing and brown spotting on the left white margin; corner dings and shelf wear on the bottom edge; poly-sleeve is crumpled.
Conservation Recommendations
Store upright in a pH-neutral archival sleeve; keep in temperature-controlled environment to prevent further foxing.