Sutro Baths has long faded into the history books of San Francisco and the Richmond District, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a hot piece of property.
CurbedSF reports that Christie’s recently auctioned off a 79 x 82 inch color lithograph from 1896 for a mere $27,500. The auction house originally estimated it would sell for between $12,000 and $18,000.
With its vivid colors and wonderful detail, this rare color lithograph recalls the energy and excitement that surely pervaded this impressive complex. Grand in promotion as well as scale, the Sutro Baths were advertised by large billboards such as this monumental work, composed of six individually printed pieces, which have been assembled in registration and glued together to form the final work.
So if you’ve got old Richmond District memorabilia in your closet, hang onto it! You may be surprised at its value someday.
Sarah B.
This interesting to read. I have just pulled out an old Sutro Baths Lithograph and am about to put it on ebay. It is not as big, only 43″x46″ framed (33″x36″ picturer) but the colors and art are identical.
I had no idea it could go for this much. I wonder if anyone is interested in it off ebay. mail me at:
escottg@msn.com E Scott Gordon:
I also have one for sale. Rodger 415-945-7255
I have one exactly like the one at Christies but in average condition and not mint like the one at Christies. I do not wish to invest in restoring it and if anyone is interested, I can email you photos of this lithograph. I would like to sell it. If you are interested please contact me at maryannepatton@hotmail.com
MaryAnne Patton