Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Wallace Nutting, a New England Artist

About 20 years ago, my sister and I each received a Wallace Nutting print for Christmas from our father.  They of course were from the basement, and originally belonged to our paternal grandparents. They are in their original frames and mats, too! Over the year we have both purchased more to create groupings in our homes. We have found that buying the photos in vintage and antique shops is pricey, but eBay is very reasonable. This is probably because we live in New England and these prints are highly collectible in this area.Dr. Wallace Nutting was a New England Renaissance man! He was a minister in the late 19th century. At age forty-three he was forced to leave the pulpit because of poor health. He described this experience as, "The greatest sorrow of my life, almost a killing sorrow, to cease from the regular duties of a pastor." Nutting started taking pictures in 1899 while on long bicycle rides in the countryside. He would illuminate his photographs with paint to enhance the image. In 1904 he opened the Wallace Nutting Art Prints Studio on East 23rd Street in New York. After a year he moved his business to a farm in Southbury, CT. In 1917 he moved to Framingham, MA and explored his interests in reproducing antique furniture and publishing. His studio was one of the most prolific of the early 20th century.
I found this picture online, to show an example of his more vivid painted photographs. For more vintage goodies you can visit Suzanne at ColoradoLady, our Vintage Thingies Thursday hostess.


Photobucket

31 comments:

  1. I have never heard of him, but like his work.

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  2. Hi Elizabeth! I enjoyed seeing the pictures you posted - I've found some neat ones on ebay too, at times, and the prices are sometimes more reasonable there than the antique stores - I agree with you there!

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  3. What an interesting and informative post for today. Great job.

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  4. I was so excited to see your post. I love Wallace Nutting, and have a small photo of his, too. I got it -- in the original frame -- in a shop on the north shore of Long Island. As a New Englander (raised in Hartford and went to to school in MA and NH) it reminds me of the best times of the spring in New England. Will have to look on Ebay.

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  5. new for me too. but interesting!
    is this a new look for your blog? or do i just have a bad memory?

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  6. These look gorgeous Elizabeth; I am not familiar with this artist. I'll check him out now though, so thanks.

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  7. I've not heard of him,but his work is wonderful. You always bring such new and exciting things for us to see and I always enjoy your posts so much. Happy VTT,have a wonderful weekend.

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  8. Great information about this photo artist, whom I hadn't heard of before. I think the first one with the pink blossoming tree would be my favorite of the group. What are the dimensions of these?

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  9. Those are lovely photo's and it's such an interesting story. If he had continued being a pastor, he probably never would have done the photography work....The twists and turns of life bring amazing talents to life.

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  10. These are really beautiful Elizabeth! And the one from you grandparents is a great treasure!

    Have wonderful day!

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  11. How wonderful! I love Wallace Nutting's work and you are right about them being pricey. They go up in price every year, especially here in CT in the shops.

    Happy weekend!

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  12. Would you believe I've never heard of a painted photo? But wow, these are beautiful. What treasures you have!

    Justine :o )

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  13. Your Father has given you a precious gift not only of the painting, but for the love of art, collecting and appreciation of others work. I really enjoyed this post and the information shared.

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  14. Do you have copy writer for so good articles? If so please give me contacts, because this really rocks! :)

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  15. Thanks for the information. I heard of him before but never really knew what he did.

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  16. His work is just beautiful. It's always fun to collect something from just your region. How sweet of your father to give you your first.

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  17. These are simple beautiful! I'm sure you treasure them :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  18. Well, now I feel like a bad New Englander because I have never heard of him, but thank you so much for sharing all about him! Now I want to discover more! The photographs are amazing and charming and whimsical...love them!

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  19. I have a reproduction of the cottage piece (found it at the Christmas Tree Shop of all places!) I love it! :)

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  20. Wow Elizabeth, these prints are gorgeous! What a nice collection.

    Jocelyn
    http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

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  21. These are really beautiful! I've heard of Nutting-you're really lucky to have some and "one from the basement"-wow! You've blogged about the basement before-now I am totally green!

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  22. Painted photographs are very intriguing!

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  23. These are really pretty, I will have to pay more attention when I am treasure hunting! Have a great VTT!

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  24. Your prints are so pretty. And how fun to have one that originally belonged to your grandparents.

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  25. These are REALLY beautiful! I think my favorite is the last, I love that pretty stream!

    Thanks for sharing, and for the educational accompanying narrative!!

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  26. Genial dispatch and this mail helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you seeking your information.

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  27. Check out my website
    Www.wallacenuttingfurniture.org

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  28. Check out my website
    Www.wallacenuttingfurniture.org

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