3 mammoth-plate albumen prints, comprising Southwest Corner of the House, Thurlow Lodge, Milton Latham Residence, San Mateo County; The Gateway to the Lawn, Thurlow Lodge, Milton Latham Residence, San Mateo County; and Hotel Del Monte, Monterey, each mounted, circa 1874-85 (Naef 595, 590, 702) (3)

Grading these albumen prints on a scale of one to 10 – a 10 being an albumen print that has deep brown dark tones and highlights that retain all of their original detail – these prints rate a 7 to 8. The dark tones are generally strong, but the highlights have become more subdued and slightly yellowed with age. These mounted photographs were originally in an album in which they were affixed back-to-back with another mounted photograph. The paired photographs’ mounts were expertly separated from one another. As a result of this, a faint linen-like texture can be seen in the surface of the prints when they are examined closely in raking light, and the reverse of the mounts have a very slightly rough texture. A thin strip of linen tape runs along the left or right mount edge. Visible in raking light are scattered surface scratches and scuffs throughout the prints. The periphery of the mounts are appropriately age-darkened, and there are creases and light wear primarily at the edges. 'The Gateway to the Lawn, Thurlow Lodge, Milton Latham Residence, San Mateo County' (Naef 590) - Upon close examination, the following are visible: a small fibrous adhesion, small scuff, and pen-point-sized impression in the lower right quadrant. In raking light, several soft creases that likely occurred prior to, or as a result of, mounting are visible primarily in the right portion of the image. There are several dark pen-point-sized deposits of indeterminate nature on the upper mount edge. Light foxing and minor evidence of previous exposure to moisture are visible on the reverse of the mount. 'Hotel Del Monte, Monterey' (Naef 702) - Great detail is visible in the image. In raking light, a 7-inch scuff is visible in the lower right quadrant, as is a one-inch irregular tear that has been laid down. There are a few tiny black deposits of indeterminate nature in the lower left portion of the print, as well as on the lower left mount edge. 'Southwest Corner of the House, Thurlow Lodge, Milton Latham Residence, San Mateo County' (Naef 595) - In the central portion of the image near the window, there is a small adhesion of indeterminate nature. There is very light soiling visible in the upper portion of the sky.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Between the late 1860s and the mid-1880s, Watkins was commissioned to document the opulent estates in Northern California.  Former California governor, senator, and financier Milton Latham hired Watkins to photograph his renovated residence, Thurlow Lodge, formerly the William Eustace Barron estate.  Watkins produced over 65 mammoth plate views of Thurlow Lodge, its lavish interior, and expert landscaping. 

Railroad baron Charles Crocker and Pacific Improvement Company, a division of the Southern Pacific Railroad, introduced tourism to Monterey with the opening of the lavish Hotel Del Monte in 1880.  The Gothic-inspired Hotel Del Monte, immortalized by Watkins in images such as the one offered here, no longer exists.  A fire in 1924 destroyed the central section of the hotel, and it was rebuilt with reinforced concrete in a Spanish-style design.  It is now the main building of the Naval Postgraduate School.