Rare Ansel Adams Photos Sold Sale fulfills decades-old conservation wish

A rare portfolio of 15 prints by famed photographer Ansel Adams has been sold at Christies in New York for $53,775. Proceeds will benefit the cause of wildland preservation for which Adams created the portfolio more than 40 years ago.

A rare portfolio of 15 prints by famed photographer Ansel Adams has been sold at Christies in New York for $53,775. Proceeds will benefit the cause of wildland preservation for which Adams created the portfolio more than 40 years ago.

Experts pre-sale estimate for the portfolio was $30,000 - 40,000. While buyers continue to be highly selective, strong prices were achieved," said Leila Buckjune, Head of Christies Photographs department.

The portfolio included some of Adams most beloved images, including Vernal Fall, Yosemite Valley. Each of the 15 silver gelatin prints in the portfolio had been personally signed by Adams.

Adams conceived Portfolio IV, What Majestic Word, to raise funds for conservationist Russell Varians dream of preserving what is now Castle Rock State Park on the southern tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. The portfolio, one of just 260 made, was offered for sale by Los Altos-based Sempervirens Fund, Californias oldest land conservancy, in order to complete the purchase and preservation of the San Lorenzo River Redwoods, a 1,340-acre parcel of redwood land adjoining the park.

Adams, an avid conservationist himself, was a personal friend of Varians and had great respect for his friends lifelong commitment to preserving Californias wild lands.