A Hallowe'en merry, a Hallowe'en bright,
Though pumpkins make faces
and ghosts walk at night,
Let no noises scare you, and don't start to run,
For 'tis but a joke, and Hallowe'en fun.
From the back of the postcard:
Ellen Clapsaddle, Postcard, N.D.
There is quite a bit of information online about Ellen Clapsaddle.
Here's just a tidbit.
"Clapsaddle's illustrations are favorites of many, and she published more than three thousand signed postcards and designed countless more unsigned pictures. Over half of her illustrations are of children, and the rest are more general scenes. She was born the year the Civil War ended, an only child, attended a country school and graduated from Richfield Springs Seminary, New York, in 1882. A self-taught artist, she gave private painting lessons until she attended Cooper Institute in New York City. There, she contracted to work for the International Art Company (IAC), and relocated to Germany to design articles as diverse as porcelain, calendars and greeting cards. She returned to the U.S. in 1906 to become principal artist for the Wolf Company, a subsidiary of IAC.
She was a very prolific artist, and her designs reflect the entire spectrum of seasonal and holiday themes, drawing upon folklore, traditions, games and nursery rhymes. Unlike other artists whose illustrations were adapted for postcards, Clapsaddle designed specifically for the medium.
During the height of her career with IAC, she invested her earnings in the booming German postcard industry. While on a business trip to Germany in August of 1914, World War I broke out. In the confusion and destruction, Clapsaddle became stranded and ultimately destitute. One of the Wolf Company partners went to Germany and, after a six month search, found her in poor health. She returned safely to the U.S., but her health declined and she lost the ability to work. She died thirteen years later at the Peabody Home in New York. "
Thank you to the lovely Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday each week.
There is quite a bit of information online about Ellen Clapsaddle.
Here's just a tidbit.
"Clapsaddle's illustrations are favorites of many, and she published more than three thousand signed postcards and designed countless more unsigned pictures. Over half of her illustrations are of children, and the rest are more general scenes. She was born the year the Civil War ended, an only child, attended a country school and graduated from Richfield Springs Seminary, New York, in 1882. A self-taught artist, she gave private painting lessons until she attended Cooper Institute in New York City. There, she contracted to work for the International Art Company (IAC), and relocated to Germany to design articles as diverse as porcelain, calendars and greeting cards. She returned to the U.S. in 1906 to become principal artist for the Wolf Company, a subsidiary of IAC.
She was a very prolific artist, and her designs reflect the entire spectrum of seasonal and holiday themes, drawing upon folklore, traditions, games and nursery rhymes. Unlike other artists whose illustrations were adapted for postcards, Clapsaddle designed specifically for the medium.
During the height of her career with IAC, she invested her earnings in the booming German postcard industry. While on a business trip to Germany in August of 1914, World War I broke out. In the confusion and destruction, Clapsaddle became stranded and ultimately destitute. One of the Wolf Company partners went to Germany and, after a six month search, found her in poor health. She returned safely to the U.S., but her health declined and she lost the ability to work. She died thirteen years later at the Peabody Home in New York. "
Thank you to the lovely Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday each week.
13 comments:
What a beautiful postcard. How sad to read of her decline, she had such outstanding talent.
This was so interesting, Snap. I've often seen these postcards without knowing about the artist who drew their pretty images. She had a tragic story! I'm sure the originals are wonderful collectibles.
That was interesting - I recognise her style.
Guess what....it's just 9 days to Thanksgiving here...we'll be eating turkey before you!
Such a gorgeous Halloween postcard. I just love everything Vintage, and the illustrations from once upon a time days are so glorious. Thank you for your well wishes. I am feeling a little better this afternoon. Wishing you a beautiful weekend.
Karen
A sad ending to a very successful life, especially for a woman in Edwardian times.
A lovely card, but how sad is the story of the artist. She was certainly exceptional in her time.
A very collectible card, as are all of hers. I know a fellow here locally that collected two type of cards - RPP of MT, and Clapsaddles.
Cute card, tough reality...
That's a fun message on the postcard. I love it. What a great woman she must be, but sad to read about her demise.
Postcards Crossing
I love Clapsaddles work. I did not know about her sad ending though. Thanks for the info.
Yes Teddy and I are heading out on a road trip. It should be interesting as Teddy has not gone on any long trips before.... I really need this adventure!
Love it! Great blog - awesome design! Followed! Good update!
I love these Halloween cards.
I have a contest on my postcard blog this week. Please visit and enter.
http://sendapostcardaweek.blogspot.com/2011/09/where-to-send-this-card.html
Hello dear,
Find you on PFF and just post my card also. Well I'm intrigue by this Halloween thing since you don't have it in France, even if for the last 5 years, some people have try to add it.
This is a very sweet card and I'm happy to learn more and discover designer talent.
Hope to see you around my blog somtime too.
Grace
http://blog.my-telepropartner.com/2011/10/05/montmartre-postcard-friendship/
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