Helmut Newton's Most Beautiful Nudes are Now Gathered in a Collector's Book
In honor of photographer Helmut Newton's 100th birthday and the 40th birthday of publishing house Taschen, the company is relaunching Sumo, a collector's book from 1999 devoted to the most scandalous photographs captured by the German artist. Dubbed Baby Sumo, this reissue has been cut in half from the original tome, in addition to being edited and revised by the photographer's wife, June Newton.
The new collector's book is published in only 10,000 numbered copies, weighs nearly 20 pounds, and is accompanied by an exceptional stainless steel lectern, designed by Philippe Starck, as well as a pedestal and a booklet recounting the making of the legendary publication–all for the extraordinary sum of $1,500.
A true collector's item, the book offers a deserved tribute to Newton, to whom we owe incomparable shots of the greatest film stars of the last century, as well as exceptional nudes of the most beautiful female models of our generation.
Inside one of the most expensive books of the 20th century.
When it was released, the original Sumo was enormous in every way. It was a 464-page tribute to the most influential and controversial photographer of the 20th century and a book that smashed all records for weight, size, and cash value.
The idea of a collection of images, reproduced on exceptionally sized pages according to cutting-edge design and printing standards, arose out of an open, exploratory dialogue between the photographer and the editor. With an impressive weight of 77 pounds, an original concept, and flawless production techniques, the book truly set new standards. Published in a limited edition of 10,000 signed and numbered copies, the first Sumo sold out shortly after its publication and its resale value quickly multiplied. A sensation in the world of global publishing, the book took the monograph genre to a whole new dimension and can now be found in many important collections around the world, including that of the Museum of Modern Art of New York. The very first copy of Sumo, signed by more than 100 celebrities appearing in the book, broke the record for the most expensive book of the 20th century, auctioned in Berlin on April 6, 2000 for 620,000 Deutsche Marks (or $369,194).
One thing is certain, the new Baby Sumo has lost nothing in glamor. With over 400 breathtaking images, reproduced and printed to the latest standards, it still has the prestige of a private photography exhibition.
Helmut Newton. Baby Sumo is now available in a limited edition of 10,000 copies via Taschen.
