Book Galley Question

I was in a nostaglia shop and bought 6 galley pages on a book about Bette Midler, that she must have had something to do with.

The photos below have writing, her signature and photo. I'm just wondering if it's possible if the signature is actually by Midler. Obviously she didn't do the copy text. But, it is probable or possible that she did sign this galley and then the artist went over it to darken it, if it had to be. I don't know the process. That does look like Midler's signature.

Does anyone have an idea how this would be done by a publisher?

THANK YOU!

 

It's extremely difficult to see what you have. Would/could you post photographs of each full page? And significantly lighter than those above.

Debora

 

It takes my camera battery a while to recharge. When it does, I'll give it another shot.

 

Thank you. And, in the meantime, what were you told about them when you bought them in the "nostalgia shop?"

Debora

 

Absolutely nothing. The woman's father owned the place. He died a while ago, and they're just selling off everything. They want nothing to do with this stuff. My battery should be ready tomorrow morning (it's an old camera), and I'll post some photos.

 

Here's a few better photos.It's a shame, whoever had these did not take care of them. There's damage at the bottom of some of the pages. Cut off or framed they'd be fine. Or matted and placed in plastic.

 

What's cut off bottom right here?

Debora

 

Well, they appear to be the boards for this 1973 souvenir program.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/324335418146

Here's the image where the creative director has asked the photograph to be moved up so the hanging leg is eliminated. I'd imagine that's her signature as it does appear to be an official program. Do you live in a town with any printers? Or lots of creative types? Someone hung on to these.

Debora

 

It's the staining and what looks like mildew of wherever they were kept. It really is a crying shame. I have too much stuff. But, I always take care of it.

THANK YOU for letting me know about where they came from. I am going to be putting them up for sale. I just don't have the room for them. The seller gave me a better deal each time I added to the pile. I got a few nice pieces. I bought these because of the autograph. I don't have Midler's. Now I might. But, I'll sell these and buy a single signed photo.

THANK YOU again.

 

That is not staining beneath the photograph; it's a handwritten notation. Why would you crop it off in your photograph?

Debora

 

It says "Inside back cover". That's not cropped, that's the photograph. I'm not a very good photographer. But, I usually do well enough to sell things. With these, I can't find anyplace to actually take a decent photo. I had to use the flash to get this.

 

Set up with proper lighting. I do mine in front of well lit windows during the day (windows facing your object, not behind it), or else with a daylight temp led or bulb lamp. You can buy a cheap led light online or just get a daylight bulb to put in a lamp you own. I have a piece of plain muslin and a piece of black cotton fabric that I can lay over any table and anything I'm using to get vertical coverage behind a taller piece. A white backdrop will usually have the added benefit of bouncing light around your item. Black is good for deepening contrast. If you're really desperate on a large item, I would take it outside while overcast or in shade, for a perfectly lit photo. Flash is really limiting on your items. It blasts out details and the glare omits things.

You should take photos that show the entire object and all it's edges. For us, or your buyers, it's vital. Even if it's large, multiple photos are fine so long as we can see the whole thing.

I agree that would be Bette's actual signature, with copy added by the designer. I really love these old graphic design print pieces where you can see the parts and the manual trickery like using white out to erase imperfections. I find this much more charming for an autograph collection than an 8x10.