73 - Lyndon B. Johnson (American, 1908-1973) and Lady Bird Johnson (American, 1912-2007). Inscribed and signed color photograph. The formal portrait shows the President and First Lady standing in a White House room before a fireplace and an oval portrait of George Washington. The photograph was presented to Peter Benchley, who served as a speechwriter for President Johnson from 1967 until 1969. Benchley later gained international fame as the author of the 1974 novel Jaws. Inscribed in blue-black ink in the lower margin: For Peter Benchley - with our appreciation and wishes for the most joyous Christmas! Lady Bird Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson December 1968. Sight: 9 3/8 x 6 1/2 in. Frame: 15 x 12 in.

Lyndon B. Johnson (American, 1908-1973) and Lady Bird Johnson (American, 1912-2007). Inscribed and signed color photograph. The formal portrait shows the President and First Lady standing in a White House room before a fireplace and an oval portrait of George Washington. The photograph was presented to Peter Benchley, who served as a speechwriter for President Johnson from 1967 until 1969. Benchley later gained international fame as the author of the 1974 novel Jaws. Inscribed in blue-black ink in the lower margin: For Peter Benchley - with our appreciation and wishes for the most joyous Christmas! Lady Bird Johnson Lyndon B. Johnson December 1968. Sight: 9 3/8 x 6 1/2 in. Frame: 15 x 12 in. The President and Mrs. Johnson, photographed before the fireplace in the White House, signed and inscribed to Peter at Christmas 1968 “with our appreciation and wishes for the most joyous Christmas.” Within months Johnson had left office and Peter had left Washington with two ideas for a novel in his back pocket. Exhibited at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin in 2025 for the 50th anniversary of JAWS. Provenance: Exhibited in From the White House to the Deep Ocean: LBJ, Jaws and Conservation, held at the LBJ Presidential Library, Austin, Texas, from April 19 through October 19, 2025.From the personal collection of Peter Benchley (American, 1940-2006), acclaimed author of Jaws, accomplished diver, and prominent advocate for ocean and shark conservation. Proceeds from the Peter Benchley Collection will benefit five ocean conservation organizations: Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, WildAid, Beneath the Waves, Blue Frontier and Environmental Defense Fund. CONDITION: The photograph shows significant color shifting and fading, resulting in an overall greenish-yellow cast across the image. The signatures and handwritten inscription are well-preserved and remain clearly legible. The wooden frame exhibits minor surface wear and small abrasions at the corners. NOTICE TO BIDDERS: The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition. Photos are considered part of the condition report. Complete condition information is available by request, please request no later than 24 hours prior to the auction. All lots are offered and sold "as is", and Willow Auctions will not provide refunds based on condition. Timepiece movements, lighting and electrics have not been tested, and art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated.