258 - Howard Hall (American, b. 1949). Color offset lithograph poster on paper, Manta Fantasy, 1983. The work features a photograph of diver Gordy Waterman riding a manta ray. The lower margin is inscribed in ink For Peter & Wendy at the left and From Howard & Michele Dec '83 at the right. Accompanied by a handwritten note from Wendy Benchley. 24" H x 30 1/2" W.

Howard Hall (American, b. 1949). Color offset lithograph poster on paper, Manta Fantasy, 1983. The work features a photograph of diver Gordy Waterman riding a manta ray. The lower margin is inscribed in ink For Peter & Wendy at the left and From Howard & Michele Dec '83 at the right. Accompanied by a handwritten note from Wendy Benchley. 24" H x 30 1/2" W. A personal note from Wendy Benchley: “This is a photo by our friend, the esteemed underwater photographer Howard Hall, of Gordy Waterman riding the famous giant manta ray of the Sea of Cortez.” It is the same manta that gave Peter his unforgettable rides in 1980 (see Lots 239 and 240). 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 poster is in fair condition with significant handling wear. Numerous creases and horizontal rolls are visible throughout the image and margins. There are several small tears along the bottom edge, including a prominent tear affecting the copyright notice. Significant surface scuffing and minor losses to the paper surface are present near the corners and along the edges. 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.