Description
Hughson Hawley, a British architectural renderer, enjoyed a 50-year career in New York City. He began as a theatrical set painter in his native England, moving to New York City in 1879 to paint scenery at the Madison Square Theater at the invitation of the owner. With the encouragement of two architects, Hawley opened an architectural rendering studio the following year. Architects use drawings of proposed buildings to persuade prospective clients, but Hawley’s artistic and architectural skills were so extraordinary that his drawings were frequently reproduced as lithographs, advertisements, brochures and letterheads to promote the completed buildings. His style was even imitated by others. In addition to working for architects, Hawley created illustrations for publications such as Harper’s Weekly, Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, Century and exhibited at the American Watercolor Society and on a regular basis at the Architectural League. He retired to England in 1931 and spent the remainder of his life there.
Charles Hart was a New York City lithographer. He was associated for a time with Endicott & Co., and provided lithography for a number of New York print publishers. The subjects varied, including genre scenes, landscapes and portraits, but he was said to especially enjoy making sporting prints.
Condition: Formerly laid down on board, now removed, few small abrasions on the back, few short marginal tears, later restored as professionally laid on supporting sheet. Faint mat burn, not obtrusive, and can be matted out. Margins irregularly cut but ample.
References:
Peters, Harry T. America on Stone. U.S.: Doubleday, Doran, 1931. pp. 204-205.
Sharf, Frederic A. “Discovering Hughson Hawley.” Museum of the City of New York. http://www.mcny.org/Exhibitions/Hawley/hawley3.htm (3 November 2004).
