The Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University in Illinois has received a gift of fifty photographs by American photographer Brett Weston (1911–1993). The images, which range from sweeping landscapes to botanical studies, were donated by Christian Keesee, who acquired a large collection of Weston’s work directly from the photographer’s estate in 1996. Keesee has given works to several museums over the past decade.

Born in Los Angeles, Weston learned photography from his father, Edward Weston (1886–1958). While he mostly photographed the natural world, Brett Weston also explored the creative possibilities of abstraction through photography and experimented with materials. Throughout his career, he photographed in Europe, Japan, California, Oregon, Hawaii, and Alaska, among other locations.

“We are honored by this important gift of art from the Christian Keesee Collection,” said Block Museum director Lisa Corrin. “It highlights the value of the collection as a significant resource for faculty, students and the Chicago-area community. Collectors like Mr. Keesee know that giving works of art to The Block ensures that these treasures will be studied and appreciated, particularly by new generations of students, for many years to come.”