Helmut Newton. SUMO. 20th Anniversary Edition

Helmut Newton (1920–2004) was renowned for his aversion to conventionality and predictability, making the SUMO project a perfect fit for his style. This visionary endeavor aimed to produce a book matching the dimensions of a personal exhibition, showcasing stunning images reproduced with cutting-edge printing techniques. The concept evolved through a dynamic and experimental collaboration between the photographer and the publisher. Weighing in at an impressive 35.4 kg (nearly 80 pounds) when boxed and shrink-wrapped, the SUMO book established a new benchmark in both conceptual creativity and technical detail. Released in a limited edition of 10,000 copies, each signed and numbered, it quickly sold out and significantly increased in value. Today, it is part of prestigious collections worldwide, including New York's Museum of Modern Art. The first copy, autographed by over 100 featured celebrities, set the record as the priciest book of the 20th century at a Berlin auction on April 6, 2000, fetching 620,000 German marks (around 317,000 euros). Now commemorating 20 years since its inception, this XL edition has been revisited by Newton's wife, June. It includes 464 images and an insightful new booklet exploring the making of this extraordinary publication—an homage to the incomparable Helmut Newton, now available in a more accessible format.