Sam Haskins

Chelsea Studio Tea Break, c1974

Name: Chelsea Studio Tea Break, c1974 by Sam Haskins | LIGHTWORKS Gallery Sydney
Brand: Sam Haskins
SKU: 41005366935625
Price: 6300.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

Chelsea Studio Tea Break, c1974

$6,300.00 AUD

Sale SOLD

Product variants

Vintage silver gelatin print, c1974

In Chelsea Studio Tea Break, c.1974, Sam Haskins transforms an informal studio moment into a striking study of form, concealment and suggestion. A woman’s leg and high-heeled shoe appear from behind the strong diagonal of a staircase, while the repeating white balusters create a bold graphic rhythm. The figure is only partially revealed, giving the image a playful, voyeuristic quality and inviting the viewer to imagine the scene beyond the frame.

Haskins’s precise composition and rich black-and-white contrasts elevate this fleeting moment into something cinematic and mysterious. Printed during the artist’s lifetime, this vintage silver gelatin print is particularly collectible: Haskins produced only a very small number of prints from each image, and his vintage black-and-white works were never issued in formal editions.

Haskins did all his printing for his creative work with a handful of exceptions. He also passed away (2009) with only 2.5% of his archive signed. The Haskins Archive is characterised by a broad creative range, including many iconic works. Still, there is only a very small number of silver gelatin prints for each image (typically 1-3 copies, sometimes a few more), so signed works are especially rare. Sam Haskins built his reputation on his legendary books, which meant he originally printed to make maquettes (4 for each 60’s title) for presentation to publishers, not to produce stock for the print market. In other words, Sam Haskins silver gelatine are organically hyper-limited, there are no ‘editions’ of his vintage black and white work.

SIZE

40.75 x 30.75 cm (16.04 x 12.10 in) | Image 36.50 x 28.40 cm (14.34 x 11.18 in)

RARITY NOTE

There are an additional 3 Vintage Prints in existence.

PROVENANCE

This Sam Haskins work is sourced directly from The Sam Haskins Estate which is run by the artist’s son. Born in 1955, Ludwig provides a living link with the entire history of Sam’s career.