Wilbur de Paris at Symphony Hall (Atlantic 1253)
Vinyl Record (LP) and Printed Album Cover Art • Cover photograph by Lee Friedlander; Graphic design attributed to the Atlantic Records design department (under Nesuhi Ertegun); Music by Wilbur de Paris and his New New Orleans Jazz.
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern graphic design; Early documentary-style photography; New Orleans Traditional Jazz Revival.
Medium & Technique
Offset lithography on cardboard (cover); Pressed vinyl disc with paper labels.
Creation Period
1957
Dimensions & Format
Standard 12-inch LP format; cover approximately 12.375 x 12.375 inches; Square format.
Subject Description
The cover features a candid photograph of a dog (black poodle) sitting on stone steps outside Symphony Hall, with a seated figure partially visible in the background. The design employs a classic Atlantic Records layout with asymmetric typography and a clean, modernist aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The cover shows minor yellowing and edge wear consistent with age. The vinyl disc appears clean with some light surface dust.
Estimated Market Value
$20 - $45 USD (depending on disc playback quality and lack of sleeve splits).
Auction Estimate
$15 - $35 USD
Provenance History
Original production by Atlantic Recording Corp., New York. Likely owned by a private collector of jazz recordings. Catalougue number '1253' is visible.
Art Historical Significance
Significant as part of the early Atlantic Records catalog which revolutionized jazz recording both sonically and visually. Features photography by the then-emerging Lee Friedlander, who became a major figure in 20th-century American photography. It documents the late-career success of trombonist Wilbur de Paris.
Notable Features
Black 'Long Playing Unbreakable' Atlantic label with silver text indicates an early pressing. Photograph by Lee Friedlander, a characteristic 'street photography' style early in his career.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing (browning) of the white cardstock on the left panel; slight corner blunting; surface scuffs on the vinyl surface from handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in an acid-free poly outer sleeve and an anti-static inner sleeve. Keep in a climate-controlled environment away from direct sunlight to prevent further yellowing and disc warping.
Collector Notes
Disc and cover