Photographer Edward Weston, one of the best known 20th century photographers, is most closely identified with Carmel, California, where he worked during the 1930s and 1940s. However, few people realize that he spent the first 17 years of his career in Los Angeles. Soon after Weston left Los Angeles, he destroyed many of his photographs and personal papers, thereby effectively deleting most of his early history. Independent photography curator Beth Gates Warren has spent the last decade piecing together the story of Weston’s “lost years.” She will reveal recently discovered information about his fascinating bohemian friends, in particular, photographer Margrethe Mather, who played an important and previously unrecognized role in his development as an artist. Warren will also explain why Weston attempted to rewrite his own history and why he resolutely refused to acknowledge those who influenced him during his years in the City of the Angels.