The Maxwell Street Collection (Chicago, 2005) is a striking portfolio of 11 historical photographs of Maxwell Street, strictly limited to 71 copies—60 for sale and 11 for the photographers as compensation for contributing their work. The photographers are Tom Arndt, Patty Carroll, Ron Gordon, James Iska, Jack Jaffe, Kenneth Josephson, Nathan Lerner, Tom Palazzolo, Marc PoKempner, Bob Thall and Jay Wolke. Pulitzer Prize–winner Studs Terkel wrote the introduction. The portfolio was published by the Maxwell Street Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and interpret the history of Chicago’s Maxwell Street neighborhood for future generations. Each photo was handprinted by Ron Gordon Photo in Chicago (one of the best studios for this work in the country) on fine archival paper and then numbered and signed by the photographer. (Exception: the photo by Nathan Lerner was signed by his widow, who used Mr. Lerner’s studio stamp, numbered each print and signed her name.) The photos are in protective Mylar sleeves and wrapped individually in 11 acid-free paper folders imprinted with the title of the work, the photographer, the date, technical information on the print, a short biography of the artist and a statement by the artist that puts the work into context. Finally, the entire collection is in a handmade portfolio box measuring 15 3/4” x 12 1/2” x 1 5/8”. Each individual print measures 11” x 14”. The Maxwell Street Collection can be previewed on the web via the Maxwell Street Foundation’s website at maxwellstreetfoundation.org. The portfolio is included in at least four major institutional collections: Art Institute of Chicago, Bank of America LaSalle Collection, Museum of Contemporary Photography and Special Collections of the University of Chicago. The price for the entire portfolio is $4500, and individual photographs may be purchased. Every print for sale comes in an archival Mylar sleeve and a descriptive acid-free paper folder; none are matted or framed. The Maxwell Street Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and contributions are tax deductible.
Following is a thumbnail version showing the 11 images from the portfolio. For further information, please contact the editor, Edward C. Hirschland, at The Landhart Corporation, 79 W. Monroe Street, Suite 800, Chicago IL 60603-4906. His phone number is 312-201-1111, and his email address is .
