370 - Helmut Newton

Helmut Newton Sumo Art book Chrome-plated stand by Philippe Starck Publication date: 1999 Taschen edition, signed and numbered 01693/10 000 H76 W76 D25 cm Helmut Newton's Sumo book. The first book in the Sumo series, and arguably the most exciting and sought-after ever published by Taschen. Signed and numbered inside by Helmut Newton. This copy, number 01693 out of 10,000 of the first edition published by Taschen, is one of the first in the series. It retains its original chrome-plated stand, designed by Philippe Starck for easy assembly and disassembly. The book measures 76 cm x 76 cm x 25 cm. When unfolded, its dimensions are approximately 71 cm x 71 cm x 56 cm. The book is in used condition, with visible defects in the images. The aptly named Sumo broke all records: for weight (35 kg), height (70 cm) and price (1,500 euros). Above all, it marked the advent of the art object-book: sold as a limited edition, signed, with a metal display stand designed by designer Philippe Starck, Sumo was not distributed in bookshops, but by subscription. It was a runaway success - the 10,000 copies sold out very quickly. In 2000, an auction in Berlin made it the most expensive book in history. Copy no. 1, signed by the celebrities photographed, fetched 620,000 marks ($430,000). Since then, many publishers have embarked on the path of the rare and expensive (and heavy) book-object.