How Much Is That Game in the Window?
This entry was written by Michael Barnes, posted on January 14, 2009 at 6:20 pm, filed under Editorial, Games and Puzzles, Toys, Dolls, Games and Puzzles and tagged Acquire 3M-edition, board game collectibles, Dark Tower board game, Dungeon board game, hobby gamers, Michael Barnes, Worthpoint. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.
The first thing I look for when I stroll up someone’s driveway to a yard sale or as I’m rummaging through the detritus of material culture at an antique retailer or thrift store is board games.
Usually, my treasure hunt ends in disappointment as I excavate a ratty, worn-out copy of Trivial Pursuit or an antediluvian edition of Clue with the lead pipe missing. I’m not looking for a board game based on the “Mork & Mindy” TV show, and I’m not in the market for novelty games themed after the fads and trends of decades past—I think I’ll pass on that copy of MC Hammer’s Rap-a-Round, thank you. And no, I don’t particularly care how old that copy of Scrabble is, either.
I am a hobby gamer. I play and write about games, both as a hobby and professionally, and many in the antiques-and-collectibles business might be shocked to hear me say that a lot of the board games I find in their shops are practically worthless to anyone with a serious interest in board games.
3M edition of Acquire
Sure, character-themed games may carry value to certain collectors. Examples of particular rarity or significance might tickle the fancy of someone interested in purchasing a game to stow away in a display case. But the kinds of games other hobby gamers and I are casting the dragnet for are those that we’re actually interested in playing—chiefly nonmainstream strategy games and war games from the 1970s and 1980s. Most of them you’ve probably never heard of, but in the board-gaming community, the arcane might turn out to be the mundane.
Dungeon
There’s no telling how many hobby games have been sold at antiques dealers and secondhand shops for well under their actual value. It was just recently I bought a copy of Dungeon, a 1980 Dungeons and Dragons-style board game, for five bucks at a local antiques shop. The game regularly sells for $50 to $75 in hobby circles and in online auctions.
A friend answered an online classified ad posted by an antiques collector who had gotten his hands on a lot that included several boxes of board games. He was giving them away. My friend picked them up and aside from the almost-condition copy of Dark Tower, an electronic board game from the early 1980s that regularly fetches upward of $200 from hobbyists, the lot included at least $1,000 worth of exceptionally rare war games from classic publishers such as Avalon Hill and SPI. The guy simply thought they were worthless.
Dark Tower
Dark Tower laid out
I have also seen the flip side of the coin where sellers will price older games at outrageous prices seemingly founded solely on the vintage of the item. Last week, I was in a local antiques mall where a dealer had a copy of the 3M-edition of Acquire—a common (but great) game that can be found for around $10 easily. The dealer had it stickered at $60.
Just because a game is old doesn’t mean it is in demand, rare or worth anything to a hobby gamer. Good games do tend to be worth more to players, and that is often reflected in market prices. Of course, finding out what those good games are can be an odyssey into esotericism just as in any other collectibles market.
There is definitely a market for collectible, out-of-print hobby games—I know because I’m part of it. But in order for the uninitiated to assess value properly and to identify trash from treasure, it does require a little research work. A simple survey of online board-games sources and public auction sites might reveal some shockers in terms of value. You may be surprised when that box of games that your nerdy brother used to keep in the closet turns out to be a treasure chest.
WorthPoint—Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Paperdoll Review
Home Page - Comprehensive Coverage in the World of Antiques » News » News stories » Creating a cavalcade of cutouts: Paperdoll Review to release nine new classic star paper doll books
Creating a cavalcade of cutouts: Paperdoll Review to release nine new classic star paper doll books
January 14, 2009
Paperdoll Review, well known for offering one of the widest selections of paper dolls via mail order and its website, www.paperdollreview.com, announced it will release nine new classic star paper doll books under its publishing imprint, Paper Studio Press.Collecting and cutting out paper dolls, a charming childhood pastime in decades gone by, is regaining popularity with collectors and a new generation of children interested in fashion and a more traditional form of play. The new paper dolls from Paper Studio Press recapture the glorious, glamour days of Hollywood’s Golden Age and will delight paper doll enthusiasts of all ages.The classic stars featured as paper doll books include Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire’s legendary partner; Esther Williams, the movies’ only swimming star; and Jane Powell, the movies’ songbird, all created by top paper doll illustrator, Marilyn Henry. Marilyn also created the currently available paper doll of Marilyn Monroe, perhaps the most iconic star of all time. Other stars getting the paper doll treatment are Betty Hutton, the zany World War II superstar, by Judy M Johnson; and the iconic classics from the silver screen – Greta Garbo, by Norma Lu Meehan, and Marlene Dietrich all designed by renowned fashion expert, David Wolfe. Wolfe will also be creating paper doll books of Phyllis McGuire, lead singer of the sensational sister trio and a fabulous fashionista, and America’s favorite funny lady, Phyllis Diller. Currently available is Wolfe’s paper doll of Marsha Hunt, fashion plate film star of the 1930s and ’40s. Coming in 2009 is a paper doll of Rhonda Fleming, the spectacular flame-haired beauty of ’50s films, illustrated by Norma Lu Meehan.Wolfe is releasing his book, Hollywood Fashions of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. And of course, every “princess at heart” will want to get the vintage styled Cinderella with 17th century costumes, by expert illustrator Brenda Sneathen Mattox.“Paperdoll Review is pleased to have had the chance to work with top illustrators and to make a connection with the stars is really wonderful,” said Jenny Taliadoros, owner of Paperdoll Review and Paper Studio Press. “We are just thrilled that we can celebrate the glamour of Old Hollywood with these highly collectible books.”About Paper Studio Press and Paper Doll ReviewPaper Studio Press, www.paperstudiopress.com celebrates the style and glamour of paper dolls at the peak of their popularity during Hollywood’s Golden Era through gorgeous reproductions of highly collectible vintage paper doll books, as well as new titles designed to fit in with the paper dolls of yesterday. Paperdoll Review, www.paperdollreview.com offers paper dolls of all kinds both online and through an extensive mail order catalog. Offerings including reproductions of vintage paper dolls, movie star paper dolls, fashion paper dolls, paper dolls of families, children, historic figures, and more.Click here to discuss this story and more in the AntiqueTrader.com message boards.
Creating a cavalcade of cutouts: Paperdoll Review to release nine new classic star paper doll books
January 14, 2009
Paperdoll Review, well known for offering one of the widest selections of paper dolls via mail order and its website, www.paperdollreview.com, announced it will release nine new classic star paper doll books under its publishing imprint, Paper Studio Press.Collecting and cutting out paper dolls, a charming childhood pastime in decades gone by, is regaining popularity with collectors and a new generation of children interested in fashion and a more traditional form of play. The new paper dolls from Paper Studio Press recapture the glorious, glamour days of Hollywood’s Golden Age and will delight paper doll enthusiasts of all ages.The classic stars featured as paper doll books include Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire’s legendary partner; Esther Williams, the movies’ only swimming star; and Jane Powell, the movies’ songbird, all created by top paper doll illustrator, Marilyn Henry. Marilyn also created the currently available paper doll of Marilyn Monroe, perhaps the most iconic star of all time. Other stars getting the paper doll treatment are Betty Hutton, the zany World War II superstar, by Judy M Johnson; and the iconic classics from the silver screen – Greta Garbo, by Norma Lu Meehan, and Marlene Dietrich all designed by renowned fashion expert, David Wolfe. Wolfe will also be creating paper doll books of Phyllis McGuire, lead singer of the sensational sister trio and a fabulous fashionista, and America’s favorite funny lady, Phyllis Diller. Currently available is Wolfe’s paper doll of Marsha Hunt, fashion plate film star of the 1930s and ’40s. Coming in 2009 is a paper doll of Rhonda Fleming, the spectacular flame-haired beauty of ’50s films, illustrated by Norma Lu Meehan.Wolfe is releasing his book, Hollywood Fashions of the ’30s, ’40s and ’50s. And of course, every “princess at heart” will want to get the vintage styled Cinderella with 17th century costumes, by expert illustrator Brenda Sneathen Mattox.“Paperdoll Review is pleased to have had the chance to work with top illustrators and to make a connection with the stars is really wonderful,” said Jenny Taliadoros, owner of Paperdoll Review and Paper Studio Press. “We are just thrilled that we can celebrate the glamour of Old Hollywood with these highly collectible books.”About Paper Studio Press and Paper Doll ReviewPaper Studio Press, www.paperstudiopress.com celebrates the style and glamour of paper dolls at the peak of their popularity during Hollywood’s Golden Era through gorgeous reproductions of highly collectible vintage paper doll books, as well as new titles designed to fit in with the paper dolls of yesterday. Paperdoll Review, www.paperdollreview.com offers paper dolls of all kinds both online and through an extensive mail order catalog. Offerings including reproductions of vintage paper dolls, movie star paper dolls, fashion paper dolls, paper dolls of families, children, historic figures, and more.Click here to discuss this story and more in the AntiqueTrader.com message boards.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Top Obama Inaugural Collectibles
Top Obama Inaugural Collectibles
Superstar Will Smith got teary.
Emily Malcolm, founder of Emily’s List called it “a proud moment in our nation’s history.”
Great Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown deemed it “inspirational.”
There were reports of millions of joyful people dancing in the streets from Bogotá to Naples to Shanghai to Chicago.
Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert slaughtered cows in honor of the occasion.
The Sun (UK) found one weeping German celebrant who said, “In my lifetime, the world’s people have never felt closer.”
Former South African President Nelson Mandela called the event “monumental.”
It “Unleashes a Flood of Hope Worldwide,” proclaimed a New York Times headline.
Obama’s historic inauguration
This is just a tip of the reaction to Barack Obama’s election as 44th president of the United States. On January 20, this man whose mother was a white woman from Kansas and father a black Kenyan will be sworn into office on the steps of the United States Capitol.
It estimated that anywhere from two to five million people will jam Washington, D.C., to witness history being made as the first African-American takes the presidential oath of office.
And without question, the inauguration will produce a raft of collectibles. The question for collectors is how to tell the difference between items that will only have sentimental or commemorative value and those that will be true historical keepsakes.
Luckily, there is a way to tell the difference.
New York Post day after election
The first rule of collectibles is if there are many of them, their value is reduced. When Barack Obama defeated John McCain, scores of newspapers trumpeted historic headlines, some are still being reprinted and sold as commemoratives. Because there are so many of them, their value will be limited. This will be also true for the scores of inaugural newspaper editions.
Conversely, if there are few items, their collectible value will be higher. Lead-crystal vases featuring an engraved inaugural seal from the best glassmakers in the world, for example, will continue as a long-term investment as a historical and highly prized collectible. The sticker price will reflect that, as well.
If you want a head start on long-term collectibles, buy things with the official seal of the 56th Presidential Inauguration Committee. (Some presidents have served more than one term and therefore, have had more than one inauguration.) These are items officially recognized by the only committee chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to oversee and pay for official inaugural events, such as the inaugural balls. Over time, these items, from specially designed pins by renowned artist Ann Hand to glassware, jewelry, posters and all manner of memorabilia, will be the items most collected, and they all will carry the official seal of the committee in their design.
Glass paperweight
Then there is the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies comprised of members from the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate who are responsible for the swearing-in ceremonies and the congressional luncheon. The official programs for these events, particularly the swearing-in, will have a clear long-term collectible value. In fact, it is safe to say that the programs for this transformational inaugural will be especially valuable over time.
Inaugural mug
There are other official inaugural items that will be highly sought after by collectors, such as the official inaugural badge. Since 1933, the two dozen or so official police units operating within the District of Columbia have issued specially created police badges for use during the inaugural period. The early ones are very rare, while the more recent ones continue to be highly valued. Press credentials, military items, signage, anything out of the ordinary such as the cardboard No Parking signs attached throughout the city are highly collectible long after the event, too.
“In my store, Political Americana, we are fortunate to have all kinds of inaugural souvenirs from a simple button, badge, lapel pin, tote bag, T-shirt and coffee mug to the official inaugural medal and glassware,” says Jim Warlick, owner of Political Americana and WorthPoint Worthologist for political items. “Our full-scale Oval Office will also provide you with the opportunity to have your picture taken behind a replica of the Oval Office desk the new president will use.”
Obama inaugural T-shirt
Mary Brenneman, WorthPoint content director, sees significance in collectibles beyond their collecting value. “I find it fascinating that collectibles can serve as harbingers.”
She points out that Warlick predicted back in the spring of 2008 that Obama would win the election because his collectibles were outselling Hillary Clinton’s and John McCain’s combined.
So be you Democrat or Republican, Libertarian or Independent, now’s the time to look to the future and search out Obama inauguration collectibles.
WorthPoint-Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles
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This entry was written by ThomasCarrier, posted on January 9, 2009 at 2:45 pm, filed under Books, Paper and Magazines, Clothing (Historic), Editorial, Jewelry, Textiles, Clothing and Accessories, Watches & Accessories and tagged inaugural badges, inaugural collectibles, Jim Warlick, Obama collectibles, Obama inaugural collectibles, Political Americana, valuable inaugural collectibles, Worthologist, Worthpoint. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.
Superstar Will Smith got teary.
Emily Malcolm, founder of Emily’s List called it “a proud moment in our nation’s history.”
Great Britain’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown deemed it “inspirational.”
There were reports of millions of joyful people dancing in the streets from Bogotá to Naples to Shanghai to Chicago.
Bushmen in the Kalahari Desert slaughtered cows in honor of the occasion.
The Sun (UK) found one weeping German celebrant who said, “In my lifetime, the world’s people have never felt closer.”
Former South African President Nelson Mandela called the event “monumental.”
It “Unleashes a Flood of Hope Worldwide,” proclaimed a New York Times headline.
Obama’s historic inauguration
This is just a tip of the reaction to Barack Obama’s election as 44th president of the United States. On January 20, this man whose mother was a white woman from Kansas and father a black Kenyan will be sworn into office on the steps of the United States Capitol.
It estimated that anywhere from two to five million people will jam Washington, D.C., to witness history being made as the first African-American takes the presidential oath of office.
And without question, the inauguration will produce a raft of collectibles. The question for collectors is how to tell the difference between items that will only have sentimental or commemorative value and those that will be true historical keepsakes.
Luckily, there is a way to tell the difference.
New York Post day after election
The first rule of collectibles is if there are many of them, their value is reduced. When Barack Obama defeated John McCain, scores of newspapers trumpeted historic headlines, some are still being reprinted and sold as commemoratives. Because there are so many of them, their value will be limited. This will be also true for the scores of inaugural newspaper editions.
Conversely, if there are few items, their collectible value will be higher. Lead-crystal vases featuring an engraved inaugural seal from the best glassmakers in the world, for example, will continue as a long-term investment as a historical and highly prized collectible. The sticker price will reflect that, as well.
If you want a head start on long-term collectibles, buy things with the official seal of the 56th Presidential Inauguration Committee. (Some presidents have served more than one term and therefore, have had more than one inauguration.) These are items officially recognized by the only committee chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to oversee and pay for official inaugural events, such as the inaugural balls. Over time, these items, from specially designed pins by renowned artist Ann Hand to glassware, jewelry, posters and all manner of memorabilia, will be the items most collected, and they all will carry the official seal of the committee in their design.
Glass paperweight
Then there is the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies comprised of members from the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate who are responsible for the swearing-in ceremonies and the congressional luncheon. The official programs for these events, particularly the swearing-in, will have a clear long-term collectible value. In fact, it is safe to say that the programs for this transformational inaugural will be especially valuable over time.
Inaugural mug
There are other official inaugural items that will be highly sought after by collectors, such as the official inaugural badge. Since 1933, the two dozen or so official police units operating within the District of Columbia have issued specially created police badges for use during the inaugural period. The early ones are very rare, while the more recent ones continue to be highly valued. Press credentials, military items, signage, anything out of the ordinary such as the cardboard No Parking signs attached throughout the city are highly collectible long after the event, too.
“In my store, Political Americana, we are fortunate to have all kinds of inaugural souvenirs from a simple button, badge, lapel pin, tote bag, T-shirt and coffee mug to the official inaugural medal and glassware,” says Jim Warlick, owner of Political Americana and WorthPoint Worthologist for political items. “Our full-scale Oval Office will also provide you with the opportunity to have your picture taken behind a replica of the Oval Office desk the new president will use.”
Obama inaugural T-shirt
Mary Brenneman, WorthPoint content director, sees significance in collectibles beyond their collecting value. “I find it fascinating that collectibles can serve as harbingers.”
She points out that Warlick predicted back in the spring of 2008 that Obama would win the election because his collectibles were outselling Hillary Clinton’s and John McCain’s combined.
So be you Democrat or Republican, Libertarian or Independent, now’s the time to look to the future and search out Obama inauguration collectibles.
WorthPoint-Get the Most from Your Antiques & Collectibles
SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Top Obama Inaugural Collectibles", url: "http://www.worthpoint.com/editorial/top-obama-inaugural-collectibles" });
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This entry was written by ThomasCarrier, posted on January 9, 2009 at 2:45 pm, filed under Books, Paper and Magazines, Clothing (Historic), Editorial, Jewelry, Textiles, Clothing and Accessories, Watches & Accessories and tagged inaugural badges, inaugural collectibles, Jim Warlick, Obama collectibles, Obama inaugural collectibles, Political Americana, valuable inaugural collectibles, Worthologist, Worthpoint. Bookmark the permalink. Follow any comments here with the RSS feed for this post. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Top 10 New Year's Resolutions
Home Page - Comprehensive Coverage in the World of Antiques » Features » Postcards » Top 10 New Year’s resolutions
Top 10 New Year’s resolutions
December 16, 2008by Don Preziosi
New Year's resolutions are fun to illustrate - and collect - on postcards.
It is that time of the year when people make New Year’s resolutions and publications make all sorts of lists: best, worst, favorites and so on, usually consisting of ten items. Why not combine the two and explore the postcard possibilities of illustrating them? The history of New Year’s resolutions supposedly goes back to 153 B.C. when the Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. Janus was always portrayed with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back, which enabled him to look backward and forward at the same time. Logically, at midnight on New Year’s Eve, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. Whether Janus wanted to lose weight and quit smoking is not known!In addition to losing weight and quitting smoking, certain resolutions are on many of the ten favorite resolution lists that I consulted. Quitting drinking, getting out of debt, getting fit, and getting a new job are also perennial favorites. Here’s my somewhat cynical take on ten popular resolutions and postcards of various genres and eras that might be used to illustrate them.1. LOSE WEIGHT: This is the “biggie,” especially since New Year’s Eve is the culmination of the overindulgent holiday season. There is no shortage of postcards showing rather large people that could be used for this resolution. The calorically challenged lady on this Argentinean postcard seems to have somewhat unrealistic expectations. The odds are that she, like most of us, will need to repeat this resolution annually. Time to seriously consider salads, sweetie!2. QUIT SMOKING: One would think by now that all the negative publicity about smoking would have eliminated this as one of the most popular resolutions because fewer and fewer people seem to be smokers. Not so – it is still way up on the list of most common resolutions. So if you’re still smoking, take a look at the billboard on this card! “TOBACCO – The deadly enemy of the human brain. The foe of human progress. The subtle destroyer of youthfull (sic) virtue. The menace of the Christian church. The universal fire hazard.” I could have chosen a postcard I have showing the diseased lung of an ex-smoker (ex as in expired), but I thought I would spare you.3. QUIT DRINKING: As the man at the bar on this 1950s comic postcard advises his fellow imbiber, “It’s easy to quit drinking – I’ve done it hundreds of times!” This is another topic with an abundance of postcard possibilities. The drunk is always good for a laugh. I suspect that if quitting drinking is high on your list and you are like this guy, a good rehab facility and/or Alcoholics Anonymous may have a more lasting effect than the typical resolution. Here’s to your health.4. GET OUT OF DEBT: If you’re like the cowering chap on this circa 1905 comic postcard, the person approaching you with his hand held out is looking for the “green” you owe him, not a greeting. Debt can be debilitating. Low on dough? Start singing. “I owe, I owe, it’s off to work we go.” Maybe resolution number five should be higher on your list.5. GET A NEW JOB: Do you want to end up like the two elderly sisters on this circa 1910 real photo postcard who are folding and boxing Grace-Mae hosiery? During their 54 years of service in this mill they have boxed and folded 71,280,000 pairs of stockings. If not, check out resolution six.6. GET A BETTER EDUCATION OR LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Many schools have issued postcards over the years, but the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio has a slogan that almost guarantees employment “People must eat.” My guess is that a meat-cutting career also pays better than boxing and folding 71 million pairs of stockings. 7. WORK ON YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: A circa 1908 real photo postcard shows James E. Warfield concentrating on his spiritual growth. Rally Day cards (postcards that encourage church attendance) would be an obvious choice for this resolution, but there is something about Mr. Warfield’s piety that is irresistible. Do you suppose he’s praying for a new barber?8. GET FIT – EXERCISE: This guy is no dumbbell when it comes to fitness. “Francie” seems to have this resolution well in hand. Unfortunately there is no info on this postcard that might shed some additional light on Francie’s motives. But he does have a faux leopard-skin exercise suit to die for!9. TAKE A TRIP: John DeLion and Herman Dehm billed themselves as “Trans-continental Pushmobile Tourists” on this 1912 postcard. This is probably not the kind of trip most of us have in mind, but hey, with the price of gas rising, these guys sure were ahead of their time when it comes to getting good mileage. And resolute they must be to fulfill their version of this resolution.10. SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY: Walter Wellman is the artist responsible for this image of “The Whole Damm Family” They’re not just spending time as a family, they’re having a wonderful time traveling in the “Damm Family Trailer.” Even “The Damm Mut (sic)” is joining in the fun with I.B. Damm, Helen Damm, May B. Damm, and Will B. Damm. The Damm (or Dam) family was a favorite of comic postcard artists for many decades. If none of these resolutions resonate with you, maybe you can resolve to organize, weed, exhibit, share or archive your postcard collection. Happy postcard collecting in 2009!
Top 10 New Year’s resolutions
December 16, 2008by Don Preziosi
New Year's resolutions are fun to illustrate - and collect - on postcards.
It is that time of the year when people make New Year’s resolutions and publications make all sorts of lists: best, worst, favorites and so on, usually consisting of ten items. Why not combine the two and explore the postcard possibilities of illustrating them? The history of New Year’s resolutions supposedly goes back to 153 B.C. when the Romans named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. Janus was always portrayed with two faces, one on the front of his head and one on the back, which enabled him to look backward and forward at the same time. Logically, at midnight on New Year’s Eve, the Romans imagined Janus looking back at the old year and forward to the new. Whether Janus wanted to lose weight and quit smoking is not known!In addition to losing weight and quitting smoking, certain resolutions are on many of the ten favorite resolution lists that I consulted. Quitting drinking, getting out of debt, getting fit, and getting a new job are also perennial favorites. Here’s my somewhat cynical take on ten popular resolutions and postcards of various genres and eras that might be used to illustrate them.1. LOSE WEIGHT: This is the “biggie,” especially since New Year’s Eve is the culmination of the overindulgent holiday season. There is no shortage of postcards showing rather large people that could be used for this resolution. The calorically challenged lady on this Argentinean postcard seems to have somewhat unrealistic expectations. The odds are that she, like most of us, will need to repeat this resolution annually. Time to seriously consider salads, sweetie!2. QUIT SMOKING: One would think by now that all the negative publicity about smoking would have eliminated this as one of the most popular resolutions because fewer and fewer people seem to be smokers. Not so – it is still way up on the list of most common resolutions. So if you’re still smoking, take a look at the billboard on this card! “TOBACCO – The deadly enemy of the human brain. The foe of human progress. The subtle destroyer of youthfull (sic) virtue. The menace of the Christian church. The universal fire hazard.” I could have chosen a postcard I have showing the diseased lung of an ex-smoker (ex as in expired), but I thought I would spare you.3. QUIT DRINKING: As the man at the bar on this 1950s comic postcard advises his fellow imbiber, “It’s easy to quit drinking – I’ve done it hundreds of times!” This is another topic with an abundance of postcard possibilities. The drunk is always good for a laugh. I suspect that if quitting drinking is high on your list and you are like this guy, a good rehab facility and/or Alcoholics Anonymous may have a more lasting effect than the typical resolution. Here’s to your health.4. GET OUT OF DEBT: If you’re like the cowering chap on this circa 1905 comic postcard, the person approaching you with his hand held out is looking for the “green” you owe him, not a greeting. Debt can be debilitating. Low on dough? Start singing. “I owe, I owe, it’s off to work we go.” Maybe resolution number five should be higher on your list.5. GET A NEW JOB: Do you want to end up like the two elderly sisters on this circa 1910 real photo postcard who are folding and boxing Grace-Mae hosiery? During their 54 years of service in this mill they have boxed and folded 71,280,000 pairs of stockings. If not, check out resolution six.6. GET A BETTER EDUCATION OR LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Many schools have issued postcards over the years, but the National School of Meat Cutting in Toledo, Ohio has a slogan that almost guarantees employment “People must eat.” My guess is that a meat-cutting career also pays better than boxing and folding 71 million pairs of stockings. 7. WORK ON YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: A circa 1908 real photo postcard shows James E. Warfield concentrating on his spiritual growth. Rally Day cards (postcards that encourage church attendance) would be an obvious choice for this resolution, but there is something about Mr. Warfield’s piety that is irresistible. Do you suppose he’s praying for a new barber?8. GET FIT – EXERCISE: This guy is no dumbbell when it comes to fitness. “Francie” seems to have this resolution well in hand. Unfortunately there is no info on this postcard that might shed some additional light on Francie’s motives. But he does have a faux leopard-skin exercise suit to die for!9. TAKE A TRIP: John DeLion and Herman Dehm billed themselves as “Trans-continental Pushmobile Tourists” on this 1912 postcard. This is probably not the kind of trip most of us have in mind, but hey, with the price of gas rising, these guys sure were ahead of their time when it comes to getting good mileage. And resolute they must be to fulfill their version of this resolution.10. SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY: Walter Wellman is the artist responsible for this image of “The Whole Damm Family” They’re not just spending time as a family, they’re having a wonderful time traveling in the “Damm Family Trailer.” Even “The Damm Mut (sic)” is joining in the fun with I.B. Damm, Helen Damm, May B. Damm, and Will B. Damm. The Damm (or Dam) family was a favorite of comic postcard artists for many decades. If none of these resolutions resonate with you, maybe you can resolve to organize, weed, exhibit, share or archive your postcard collection. Happy postcard collecting in 2009!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Caring for your Vintage & Antique Linens & Textiles
Caring For Your Vintage and Antique Linens and Textiles—Part One
Removing Stains and Washing Textiles and Linens
The one question that I get asked over and over whenever I’m doing a show is: “How do you get your linens so clean?” The answer is not very exotic: A lot of soaking and patience! Antique and vintage linens require gentle care, but in most cases, can be used and enjoyed for years to come.
Soaking and washing will clean most linen quite nicely. Occasionally, there will be a spot or stain that just won’t come out. In that case, all you can do is accept it as part of the piece and think of it as adding character. Often, a stain can be minimized so that it doesn’t distract from your enjoyment of the overall piece.
Antique Linen Damask Monogrammed Tablecloth or topper: A wonderful old piece of damask linen, offered for sale by Victorian House Antiques on GoAntiques. The piece is noted to be 28.5 x 34 inches, and is in good condition with only one spot. That spot might be able to be soaked out.
Cotton and linen damask tablecloths and napkins, damask and huck towels, sheets and pillowcases should be soaked in lukewarm water mixed with Biz or Oxy-Clean. Although Oxy-Clean is fairly new to the market, Biz has been around for years and is an old laundry staple. Don’t be afraid to let the items soak for hours, even days. Check the item to see if the stains are still there, mix a fresh solution and soak again. I’ve soaked items two and three times until the offending stain or spot was either gone or reduced enough that it didn’t detract from the piece.
Sears Linen and Cotton Table Cloth and Napkins 1936 Ad: A Sears ad shows damask table cloths and napkins and their prices in 1936. Antique linen can still be used today if you take care and wash carefully. The ad is courtesy of GoAntiques dealers Charles & Phyllis J. Wille.
Both Biz and Oxy-Clean are great at getting out all kinds of stains. I’ve even removed red wine stains from a tablecloth with Oxy-Clean. However, never soak any fabrics with rayon, silk, wool or metallic threads in either stain cleaner. Also, if the item has any colored embroidery on it, go cautiously. A lot of early embroidery threads were not colorfast, particularly, the reds, blues, and purples. Start with cold water and watch it. If any color appears in the water, immediately remove the items and rinse in cold water. If the water stays clear, let it go a little longer, but keep an eye on it. If after awhile, you don’t see any discoloration in the water, the thread is probably colorfast.
Carefully remove linens and textiles from water. The weight of the water can pull and stretch the fabrics or even tear them. Many old fabrics are very fragile when wet. It’s best to use an old towel as a sling to pick items out of the water. Never wring old textiles or linens. Gently roll them in an absorbent towel to remove the excess water.
Once you’re done soaking, rinse the item in water until the water is clear. Damask and linen textiles can usually be put in the washing machine in cold water on a delicate cycle. Use a mild detergent, such as Ivory. Any pieces with intricate handwork, such as drawnwork, or lace should always be gently handwashed.
Sun bleaching is another method for cleaning linens. This is a technique that dates back generations when grass fields in Europe were known as bleaching fields. I’ve never had the opportunity to try this, since my yard is full of trees with no large sunny areas. However, I’ve heard great success stories from many textile experts and collectors who have used this technique. After soaking an item, rinse and wash it, and then lay it out on green grass in the sun. This works particularly well with damask and huck tablecloths, napkins, towels and sheets. A few cautions: Colored tablecloths and linens will fade in the sun, and watch out for birds, insects and roaming neighborhood cats and dogs.
Huge Damask Huck Linen/Lace - Towel: This beautiful antique towel, made from cottage damask huck linen and adorned with hand-made lace, also listed by Victorian House Antiques on GoAntiques, is listed as in excellent condition, with a few faint spots.
Chlorine bleach should never be used except in rare instances as a last resort. Bleach is very harsh on delicate fabrics. I never soak an entire piece in bleach. On a few occasions, when all other attempts have failed, I may spot-treat a stain with bleach. Bleach pens are good for this. I’ll do this only on sturdy white fabrics, such as damask or huck. After treating the area, be sure to rinse the entire piece thoroughly. I would rather have a small spot than a hole in a nice vintage or antique textile.
Rust stains are some of the toughest to remove. Whink, a rust spot remover, often works. However, this is a strong chemical, so read the label carefully and use sparingly. A paste made from lemon juice and salt may also work. Often, rust is one of those stains that you have to learn to live with.
Once your linens are clean and fresh, hang them to dry. I don’t recommend a dryer because the high temperature can be hard on delicate or old fabrics.
Wonderful linens and textiles should be used and enjoyed. I have hand-crocheted pieces from my great-grandmother that I cherish despite a few spots and worn areas. She was a prolific crocheter and would be thrilled to know that her pieces had been passed down and were still being used and enjoyed rather than stored in a drawer. Unless it’s a rare museum piece (in which case it should probably be in a museum), don’t be afraid to display and enjoy your collection and heirlooms.
http://www.worthpoint.com/author/lynda-kolski
Removing Stains and Washing Textiles and Linens
The one question that I get asked over and over whenever I’m doing a show is: “How do you get your linens so clean?” The answer is not very exotic: A lot of soaking and patience! Antique and vintage linens require gentle care, but in most cases, can be used and enjoyed for years to come.
Soaking and washing will clean most linen quite nicely. Occasionally, there will be a spot or stain that just won’t come out. In that case, all you can do is accept it as part of the piece and think of it as adding character. Often, a stain can be minimized so that it doesn’t distract from your enjoyment of the overall piece.
Antique Linen Damask Monogrammed Tablecloth or topper: A wonderful old piece of damask linen, offered for sale by Victorian House Antiques on GoAntiques. The piece is noted to be 28.5 x 34 inches, and is in good condition with only one spot. That spot might be able to be soaked out.
Cotton and linen damask tablecloths and napkins, damask and huck towels, sheets and pillowcases should be soaked in lukewarm water mixed with Biz or Oxy-Clean. Although Oxy-Clean is fairly new to the market, Biz has been around for years and is an old laundry staple. Don’t be afraid to let the items soak for hours, even days. Check the item to see if the stains are still there, mix a fresh solution and soak again. I’ve soaked items two and three times until the offending stain or spot was either gone or reduced enough that it didn’t detract from the piece.
Sears Linen and Cotton Table Cloth and Napkins 1936 Ad: A Sears ad shows damask table cloths and napkins and their prices in 1936. Antique linen can still be used today if you take care and wash carefully. The ad is courtesy of GoAntiques dealers Charles & Phyllis J. Wille.
Both Biz and Oxy-Clean are great at getting out all kinds of stains. I’ve even removed red wine stains from a tablecloth with Oxy-Clean. However, never soak any fabrics with rayon, silk, wool or metallic threads in either stain cleaner. Also, if the item has any colored embroidery on it, go cautiously. A lot of early embroidery threads were not colorfast, particularly, the reds, blues, and purples. Start with cold water and watch it. If any color appears in the water, immediately remove the items and rinse in cold water. If the water stays clear, let it go a little longer, but keep an eye on it. If after awhile, you don’t see any discoloration in the water, the thread is probably colorfast.
Carefully remove linens and textiles from water. The weight of the water can pull and stretch the fabrics or even tear them. Many old fabrics are very fragile when wet. It’s best to use an old towel as a sling to pick items out of the water. Never wring old textiles or linens. Gently roll them in an absorbent towel to remove the excess water.
Once you’re done soaking, rinse the item in water until the water is clear. Damask and linen textiles can usually be put in the washing machine in cold water on a delicate cycle. Use a mild detergent, such as Ivory. Any pieces with intricate handwork, such as drawnwork, or lace should always be gently handwashed.
Sun bleaching is another method for cleaning linens. This is a technique that dates back generations when grass fields in Europe were known as bleaching fields. I’ve never had the opportunity to try this, since my yard is full of trees with no large sunny areas. However, I’ve heard great success stories from many textile experts and collectors who have used this technique. After soaking an item, rinse and wash it, and then lay it out on green grass in the sun. This works particularly well with damask and huck tablecloths, napkins, towels and sheets. A few cautions: Colored tablecloths and linens will fade in the sun, and watch out for birds, insects and roaming neighborhood cats and dogs.
Huge Damask Huck Linen/Lace - Towel: This beautiful antique towel, made from cottage damask huck linen and adorned with hand-made lace, also listed by Victorian House Antiques on GoAntiques, is listed as in excellent condition, with a few faint spots.
Chlorine bleach should never be used except in rare instances as a last resort. Bleach is very harsh on delicate fabrics. I never soak an entire piece in bleach. On a few occasions, when all other attempts have failed, I may spot-treat a stain with bleach. Bleach pens are good for this. I’ll do this only on sturdy white fabrics, such as damask or huck. After treating the area, be sure to rinse the entire piece thoroughly. I would rather have a small spot than a hole in a nice vintage or antique textile.
Rust stains are some of the toughest to remove. Whink, a rust spot remover, often works. However, this is a strong chemical, so read the label carefully and use sparingly. A paste made from lemon juice and salt may also work. Often, rust is one of those stains that you have to learn to live with.
Once your linens are clean and fresh, hang them to dry. I don’t recommend a dryer because the high temperature can be hard on delicate or old fabrics.
Wonderful linens and textiles should be used and enjoyed. I have hand-crocheted pieces from my great-grandmother that I cherish despite a few spots and worn areas. She was a prolific crocheter and would be thrilled to know that her pieces had been passed down and were still being used and enjoyed rather than stored in a drawer. Unless it’s a rare museum piece (in which case it should probably be in a museum), don’t be afraid to display and enjoy your collection and heirlooms.
http://www.worthpoint.com/author/lynda-kolski
Friday, December 12, 2008
Good advice from a leading expert – caring for fine antique furniture
Good advice from a leading expert – caring for fine antique furniture
December 10, 2008
If you have the good fortune to own fine antique furniture, you have a responsibility to preserve it for future generations. Mary Helen McCoy, founder and president of Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques, a director of The Art and Antiques Dealers League of America and one of only 15 U.S. dealers to be a member of the prestigious Syndicat National des Antiquaires, offers these tips for caring for antique furniture: WoodMost furniture has a coating which protects it from use, moderates the interaction of moisture with the wood and provides a pleasing appearance. Many furniture pieces have a wax coating, which requires occasional maintenance by a professional. When hiring a furniture conservator or professional restorer, always check references first. If maintaining a wax coating yourself, apply a good beeswax-based polish with a soft cloth that will not scratch the furniture. Polish sparingly and preferably leave on overnight before rubbing well. Twice a year is about enough. Regular dusting with a soft cloth is all that is needed in between. If the furniture has a hard coating, it should be cleaned with a damp cloth, followed immediately with a dry cloth. Never use spray polishes as they may contain silicone and other materials, which contaminate the surface and can lead to a sticky surface.If a piece requires conservation, hire a qualified professional in your area. To find suggestions, consult The American Institute for Conservation Web site, http://aic.stanford.edu.Wood is a complex organic substance responsive to changes in temperature and relative humidity. A practical maintenance goal is to keep temperatures at 60-70 degrees F with a relative humidity level at 45 to 55 percent. Regular use of a good humidifier in winter and an air conditioner in summer will protect furniture from extreme fluctuations. Use window coverings to protect wood furnishings from the damaging effects of too much sunlight, which over time may result in uneven fading.MarquetryMarquetry pieces should be checked for the stability of the veneer especially in winter when the air is dry, as changes in climate or humidity can affect these pieces. Try to maintain a proper interior climate if you have pieces such as these. If the veneer is loose, proper care should be taken to secure the veneer using the correct glues recommended by a professional. Many surfaces can be French-polished in the traditional 18th-century manner. Do keep these pieces away from heating vents and direct sunlight. Dust carefully with a soft cotton cloth. A little dust will not hurt the furniture, so you do not have to dust all the time. Leave polishing of marquetry to a qualified professional.BronzesIt is best to seek the advice of a furniture conservator or professional restorer to the cleaning of bronzes. Household cleaners can inadvertently damage the patina on them. SeatingSeating furniture can last many years if properly restored by a qualified professional. This should include taking the chair or sofa apart and reassembling using pegs and glue that would have been appropriate. The upholsterer should then remake the proper seats and backs as would have been done before. Webbing should be used on the bottom. Tacks were often used on seat furniture, which may cause the rails to be brittle. The restorer or the upholsterer may have to strengthen the wood in order to use nailheads again.Gilding and paintUnfortunately there is not much of the original gilding or painting left on much of the furniture we see today. Many of the natural carved wood Parisian pieces on the market today may have been painted or gilded when they were first conceived. Among those pieces are chairs, canapés and consoles. To restore these pieces consult a qualified conservator.DrawersThere are always problems with drawers and it is perfectly fine to repair them so they operate. However, a furniture conservator or professional restorer should do the work to keep the drawer as original as possible.Cast metal feet (sabots) and furniture legsIf a sabot is missing from a piece of furniture you should have the replacement match what was on the piece originally. Broken legs can be repaired properly as well by a good restorer or conservator.As time goes by, more and more furniture will need restoration to keep it alive and well. “Furniture should always be maintained and conserved, not over-restored or embellished. We are stewards of these pieces for a short while and we should enjoy and respect each piece.Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques exhibits in prominent, national and international fine art and antique fairs. The firm is one of only 15 dealers in the United States to be a member of the prestigious Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA). It is also a member of the esteemed Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d’Art (CINOA) and The Art and Antique Dealers League of America for which McCoy serves on the board of directors; she also serves on the board of trustees for the Birmingham Museum of Art.Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques is located at 120 King Street in Charleston, S.C., and is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 843-577-6445, fax 843-577-6447, e-mail MHMcAntq@aol.com or visit www.maryhelenmccoy.com.
December 10, 2008
If you have the good fortune to own fine antique furniture, you have a responsibility to preserve it for future generations. Mary Helen McCoy, founder and president of Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques, a director of The Art and Antiques Dealers League of America and one of only 15 U.S. dealers to be a member of the prestigious Syndicat National des Antiquaires, offers these tips for caring for antique furniture: WoodMost furniture has a coating which protects it from use, moderates the interaction of moisture with the wood and provides a pleasing appearance. Many furniture pieces have a wax coating, which requires occasional maintenance by a professional. When hiring a furniture conservator or professional restorer, always check references first. If maintaining a wax coating yourself, apply a good beeswax-based polish with a soft cloth that will not scratch the furniture. Polish sparingly and preferably leave on overnight before rubbing well. Twice a year is about enough. Regular dusting with a soft cloth is all that is needed in between. If the furniture has a hard coating, it should be cleaned with a damp cloth, followed immediately with a dry cloth. Never use spray polishes as they may contain silicone and other materials, which contaminate the surface and can lead to a sticky surface.If a piece requires conservation, hire a qualified professional in your area. To find suggestions, consult The American Institute for Conservation Web site, http://aic.stanford.edu.Wood is a complex organic substance responsive to changes in temperature and relative humidity. A practical maintenance goal is to keep temperatures at 60-70 degrees F with a relative humidity level at 45 to 55 percent. Regular use of a good humidifier in winter and an air conditioner in summer will protect furniture from extreme fluctuations. Use window coverings to protect wood furnishings from the damaging effects of too much sunlight, which over time may result in uneven fading.MarquetryMarquetry pieces should be checked for the stability of the veneer especially in winter when the air is dry, as changes in climate or humidity can affect these pieces. Try to maintain a proper interior climate if you have pieces such as these. If the veneer is loose, proper care should be taken to secure the veneer using the correct glues recommended by a professional. Many surfaces can be French-polished in the traditional 18th-century manner. Do keep these pieces away from heating vents and direct sunlight. Dust carefully with a soft cotton cloth. A little dust will not hurt the furniture, so you do not have to dust all the time. Leave polishing of marquetry to a qualified professional.BronzesIt is best to seek the advice of a furniture conservator or professional restorer to the cleaning of bronzes. Household cleaners can inadvertently damage the patina on them. SeatingSeating furniture can last many years if properly restored by a qualified professional. This should include taking the chair or sofa apart and reassembling using pegs and glue that would have been appropriate. The upholsterer should then remake the proper seats and backs as would have been done before. Webbing should be used on the bottom. Tacks were often used on seat furniture, which may cause the rails to be brittle. The restorer or the upholsterer may have to strengthen the wood in order to use nailheads again.Gilding and paintUnfortunately there is not much of the original gilding or painting left on much of the furniture we see today. Many of the natural carved wood Parisian pieces on the market today may have been painted or gilded when they were first conceived. Among those pieces are chairs, canapés and consoles. To restore these pieces consult a qualified conservator.DrawersThere are always problems with drawers and it is perfectly fine to repair them so they operate. However, a furniture conservator or professional restorer should do the work to keep the drawer as original as possible.Cast metal feet (sabots) and furniture legsIf a sabot is missing from a piece of furniture you should have the replacement match what was on the piece originally. Broken legs can be repaired properly as well by a good restorer or conservator.As time goes by, more and more furniture will need restoration to keep it alive and well. “Furniture should always be maintained and conserved, not over-restored or embellished. We are stewards of these pieces for a short while and we should enjoy and respect each piece.Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques exhibits in prominent, national and international fine art and antique fairs. The firm is one of only 15 dealers in the United States to be a member of the prestigious Syndicat National des Antiquaires (SNA). It is also a member of the esteemed Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d’Art (CINOA) and The Art and Antique Dealers League of America for which McCoy serves on the board of directors; she also serves on the board of trustees for the Birmingham Museum of Art.Mary Helen McCoy Fine Antiques is located at 120 King Street in Charleston, S.C., and is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 843-577-6445, fax 843-577-6447, e-mail MHMcAntq@aol.com or visit www.maryhelenmccoy.com.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Hand Painted Photo Art
Home Page - Comprehensive Coverage in the World of Antiques » Features » Columns » Art Markets: Hand-painted photo art can fool the eye
Art Markets: Hand-painted photo art can fool the eye
November 12, 2008by Mary Manion
An interior colonial scene, Affectionately Yours is a hand-colored photograph by Wallace Nutting done by his studio circa 1915-25.
Recently a customer brought what he thought was a painting to an appraiser for evaluation. The framed artwork was a landscape, signed and titled at the margins, apparently painted in soft, muted colors. But the appraiser noticed a silvery shadow at the edges, a telltale sign of the oxidation that can occur with old black and white photographs. It turned out that the picture was actually a skillfully hand colored photograph printed on cotton stock and adhered to a board before it was matted and framed.The first thought upon this discovery was that the picture was the work of the best known exponent of painted photo landscapes, Wallace Nutting. Alas, the indecipherable signature was not the distinctive Nutting flourish. A nice piece of work from an unknown hand, the tinted photograph was worth around $75. If it had born Nutting’s signature, it could have fetched at least twice as much.In his day, Wallace Nutting (1861-1941) was among the most popular and prolific artists working in America. By his own estimation, millions of his fanciful photos were produced into what became a cottage industry for the man who started out as a preacher.Along with lithographs, hand-tinted photographs were an affordable way for the growing middle-class to add art to the walls of their homes. These mass produced works on paper brightened the lives of Americans who could not afford to commission or purchase original paintings. During the early 20th century, modestly priced hand-colored photos created as art was a unique concept distinct from the mechanically reproduced prints on the market for the general public. Hundreds of artists and illustrators were creating works, reproduced for magazines and periodicals, calendars, books and advertising markets. These works were fashioned to sell a product, not the artwork. Published in disposable formats, many of these pictures were quickly lost. But some of the images became popular and were then reproduced as inexpensive framed art prints. Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966) is a classic example of an illustrator for the trade who went on to be published as an artist.Nutting began taking photos of his surroundings on the East Coast in 1899. Inspired by what he called “a love of the beautiful,” his photographs captured an Arcadian ambiance that the natural landscape, endowed with an endless bounty of pastoral views, provided. Nutting never considered himself to be an artist. After studying theology at Harvard and graduating in 1887, he became a Congregational minister. In 1893 he was awarded a doctor of divinity but his life as a cleric was cut short when at the age of 43, plagued by ill-health, he reluctantly retired from his ministry.He pursued his photography and in 1904 founded the Wallace Nutting Art Prints Studio in New York City. A year later, he relocated his enterprise to a farm in Southbury, Conn., dubbing it “Nuttinghame.” By 1912 he had moved again, this time to Framingham, Mass., where he settled permanently with studio and home and called it “Nuttingholme.” He employed up to 200 colorists, who were hand-painting photographs of what became the Nutting signature style of softly lit photos of hearth and home.Nutting is regarded as being the influence behind the early 20th century revival of the American Colonial style. Typical of his interior scenes would be a woman seated by a fireplace, dressed in colonial attire, crafting needlework with the warm fire burning nearby. Cozy and inviting were the prevalent themes in these popular images. Another mark of interest for Nutting was exterior depictions of colonial facades of homes, with a woman and child posing outside the front door, dressed in fine period fashion, welcoming the viewer into their home, and perhaps into the world in a quieter time. As hand-colored photo art became popular, hundreds of photographers throughout the country produced snaps of foreign and regional travel, historic landmarks and interior scenes. As with the Nutting Studio, the presentation of the completed work usually displayed the photo mounted on a matboard support and included a pencil signature of the photographer and a title of the piece, inscribed directly below the image. Often the hand-colored photograph would be matted and framed with hand-painted embellishments on the frame.Collector interest in 20th century hand-colored photography produced between 1900-1940 is active with many treasures still to be found. Wallace Nutting remains at the top of the market in sales. Several photographers who worked with Nutting went on to establish their own careers in the genre. They include David Davidson (1881-1967), Charles Sawyer (1868-1954) and Fred Thompson (1844-1909).Davidson opened the David Davidson Studio in 1907 in Rhode Island and also produced millions of hand-colored photographs until its closing in the mid-century. Similar to Nutting in style and technical skill, he has been called second only to Nutting. The Sawyer Picture Company in Concord, N.H., thrived from 1903 well into the 1970s, surviving nearly two decades beyond founder Charles Sawyer’s death. Depictions of the state’s landscapes were the firm’s popular product. Monterey coastal scenes were also produced. The business of landscape and pictorial hand-colored photographs were marketed as tourist art. Not unlike postcards, they were of interest to travelers to the area who would purchase a hand-colored framed photograph of a local scene and display it as a remembrance of a place visited.Of the three most popular photographers competing with Nutting, Fred Thompson’s studio had the shortest course for its founder. Established in 1908 in Portland, Maine, the Thompson Art Company featured New England landscapes and tall-masted sailing ships. Not long after launching the business, Thompson committed suicide in 1909. His son, Frederick M. (1876-1923) continued operating the company until his death. The works of these four photographers routinely appear at auction. The most commonly seen are Nutting’s, which command the highest prices. From under $100 to close to $1,000 for a multiple lot, a piece of history from the Wallace Nutting Studio can be easily obtained at auction. But you don’t necessarily need to go to an auction house. Walk into most any antique shop in America and you’re likely to find hand-colored photographs from the period, some by Nutting and his associates and many more by the forgotten artisans who followed in their path.Click here to discuss this story and more in the AntiqueTrader.com message boards.
Art Markets: Hand-painted photo art can fool the eye
November 12, 2008by Mary Manion
An interior colonial scene, Affectionately Yours is a hand-colored photograph by Wallace Nutting done by his studio circa 1915-25.
Recently a customer brought what he thought was a painting to an appraiser for evaluation. The framed artwork was a landscape, signed and titled at the margins, apparently painted in soft, muted colors. But the appraiser noticed a silvery shadow at the edges, a telltale sign of the oxidation that can occur with old black and white photographs. It turned out that the picture was actually a skillfully hand colored photograph printed on cotton stock and adhered to a board before it was matted and framed.The first thought upon this discovery was that the picture was the work of the best known exponent of painted photo landscapes, Wallace Nutting. Alas, the indecipherable signature was not the distinctive Nutting flourish. A nice piece of work from an unknown hand, the tinted photograph was worth around $75. If it had born Nutting’s signature, it could have fetched at least twice as much.In his day, Wallace Nutting (1861-1941) was among the most popular and prolific artists working in America. By his own estimation, millions of his fanciful photos were produced into what became a cottage industry for the man who started out as a preacher.Along with lithographs, hand-tinted photographs were an affordable way for the growing middle-class to add art to the walls of their homes. These mass produced works on paper brightened the lives of Americans who could not afford to commission or purchase original paintings. During the early 20th century, modestly priced hand-colored photos created as art was a unique concept distinct from the mechanically reproduced prints on the market for the general public. Hundreds of artists and illustrators were creating works, reproduced for magazines and periodicals, calendars, books and advertising markets. These works were fashioned to sell a product, not the artwork. Published in disposable formats, many of these pictures were quickly lost. But some of the images became popular and were then reproduced as inexpensive framed art prints. Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966) is a classic example of an illustrator for the trade who went on to be published as an artist.Nutting began taking photos of his surroundings on the East Coast in 1899. Inspired by what he called “a love of the beautiful,” his photographs captured an Arcadian ambiance that the natural landscape, endowed with an endless bounty of pastoral views, provided. Nutting never considered himself to be an artist. After studying theology at Harvard and graduating in 1887, he became a Congregational minister. In 1893 he was awarded a doctor of divinity but his life as a cleric was cut short when at the age of 43, plagued by ill-health, he reluctantly retired from his ministry.He pursued his photography and in 1904 founded the Wallace Nutting Art Prints Studio in New York City. A year later, he relocated his enterprise to a farm in Southbury, Conn., dubbing it “Nuttinghame.” By 1912 he had moved again, this time to Framingham, Mass., where he settled permanently with studio and home and called it “Nuttingholme.” He employed up to 200 colorists, who were hand-painting photographs of what became the Nutting signature style of softly lit photos of hearth and home.Nutting is regarded as being the influence behind the early 20th century revival of the American Colonial style. Typical of his interior scenes would be a woman seated by a fireplace, dressed in colonial attire, crafting needlework with the warm fire burning nearby. Cozy and inviting were the prevalent themes in these popular images. Another mark of interest for Nutting was exterior depictions of colonial facades of homes, with a woman and child posing outside the front door, dressed in fine period fashion, welcoming the viewer into their home, and perhaps into the world in a quieter time. As hand-colored photo art became popular, hundreds of photographers throughout the country produced snaps of foreign and regional travel, historic landmarks and interior scenes. As with the Nutting Studio, the presentation of the completed work usually displayed the photo mounted on a matboard support and included a pencil signature of the photographer and a title of the piece, inscribed directly below the image. Often the hand-colored photograph would be matted and framed with hand-painted embellishments on the frame.Collector interest in 20th century hand-colored photography produced between 1900-1940 is active with many treasures still to be found. Wallace Nutting remains at the top of the market in sales. Several photographers who worked with Nutting went on to establish their own careers in the genre. They include David Davidson (1881-1967), Charles Sawyer (1868-1954) and Fred Thompson (1844-1909).Davidson opened the David Davidson Studio in 1907 in Rhode Island and also produced millions of hand-colored photographs until its closing in the mid-century. Similar to Nutting in style and technical skill, he has been called second only to Nutting. The Sawyer Picture Company in Concord, N.H., thrived from 1903 well into the 1970s, surviving nearly two decades beyond founder Charles Sawyer’s death. Depictions of the state’s landscapes were the firm’s popular product. Monterey coastal scenes were also produced. The business of landscape and pictorial hand-colored photographs were marketed as tourist art. Not unlike postcards, they were of interest to travelers to the area who would purchase a hand-colored framed photograph of a local scene and display it as a remembrance of a place visited.Of the three most popular photographers competing with Nutting, Fred Thompson’s studio had the shortest course for its founder. Established in 1908 in Portland, Maine, the Thompson Art Company featured New England landscapes and tall-masted sailing ships. Not long after launching the business, Thompson committed suicide in 1909. His son, Frederick M. (1876-1923) continued operating the company until his death. The works of these four photographers routinely appear at auction. The most commonly seen are Nutting’s, which command the highest prices. From under $100 to close to $1,000 for a multiple lot, a piece of history from the Wallace Nutting Studio can be easily obtained at auction. But you don’t necessarily need to go to an auction house. Walk into most any antique shop in America and you’re likely to find hand-colored photographs from the period, some by Nutting and his associates and many more by the forgotten artisans who followed in their path.Click here to discuss this story and more in the AntiqueTrader.com message boards.
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