American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

A collection of items related to Enchanting Beauty, the only known book to have been published by Alfred Cheney Johnston in his lifetime, which is profusely illustrated with reproductions of the photographer's elegant nude studies. 

The collection is highlighted by the following:

A spiral-bound mockup of Enchanting Beauty with drawing cover, layout for title page, title page illustration, and interior pages with nude studies. Additional letters from the printing company, typed forward, introduction, and commentary on photo techniques are also included (some pages, including drawing cover, layout for title page, introduction, foreward, etc., are detached). Enclosed within the final pages of the mockup are three letters from illustrators of the era, including an autograph letter signed by American illustrator McClelland Barclay, in which he writes to Johnston about Enchanting Beauty. He states in part, “To your many achievements, this book of pictures of beautiful interpretations of nudes of delight and charm, is a notable addition” (9 November 1937); a typed letter signed by Bradshaw Crandall, a famous glamour illustrator of the era. Crandall thanks Johnston for sharing an advance copy of the book and praises him for his work, “…I think it is one of the most beautiful collection[s] of feminine figures I have ever seen’ (12 November 1937); and a typed letter signed by Arthur William Brown, a Canadian commercial artist. Brown, who signs the letter “Brownie,” provides various quotes of praise for Johnston’s book, noting “chose the one you like the best…” (undated).

Additional items of note include: A letter signed and inscribed by Norman Rockwell to Johnston, undated, on “Norman Rockwell, New Rochelle, NY” letterhead. Rockwell writes to “Cheney,” expressing his admiration for Johnston’s work, stating, “this book, “Enchanting Beauty,” is certainly the finest and fullest expression of your art. It surely will be a great success both with the artists and all those that love art.” -- 36 glass plate negatives, ranging in size from 10 x 8 in. (32), to 14 x 11 in. (4), the majority depicting subjects that were featured in Enchanting Beauty.

Born into an affluent New York banking family, Alfred Cheney Johnston initially studied painting and illustration at the National Academy of Design in New York. After graduating in 1908, he struggled to achieve success as a portrait painter and was reportedly advised by Charles Dana Gibson, a longtime family friend and illustrator, to explore the medium of photography to record his subjects. 

Around 1917, Johnston was introduced to New York City impresario Florenz Ziegfeld, who hired him on a contractual basis to photograph the Ziegfeld Follies. Johnston’s relationship with Ziegfeld extended until his death in 1932. He also operated personal commercial photo studios in New York city, where he photographed a variety of subjects ranging from Broadway stars and aspiring actors and actresses to Hollywood legends and society elites. Additionally, Johnston worked in commercial photography, producing images used in product advertisements. In 1960, he donated a set of 245 large prints of his work to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC. Johnston died in a car crash in Connecticut in April 1971, and since his passing, a considerable amount of his prints and negatives have appeared at auction, much of it purchased by private collectors. (Information obtained from the Middlebury College Museum of Art website.)