Monday, November 2, 2009

Silhouette Siblings


John P. of Bluffton, SC sent the above scan to me (top photo~ click to enlarge). He explained it was of him and his siblings back in the 1950's, done at what he thought was Olan Mills. He said the original piece was mounted on 7" x 4 1/2" paper, and wondered if I could redo it and make three copies to give as holiday gifts.

I recommended doing them in a more "framing friendly" size such as 8" x 10," and he agreed. I also wanted to put in Sister's missing eyelash, and her missing braid that had been drawn in!!

Turns out when I called John for more information , he turned over the artwork, and the artist's signature was on the back! The original piece was done in 1944 or 1945 by Edith Lewis. Very nice work, I think!

7 comments:

  1. I have stamped "A Silhouette by Edith Lewis" of a small girl. Silhouett is in perfect condition. Frame seems to be original and is in good condition. The paper is yellowed with age. Did Edith Lewis stamp her cut outs too?

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    1. Yes, she seemed to either sign them on the back, or stamp them with a red stamp that says "A Silhouette by Edith Lewis." Here is an example I found on line. https://www.etsy.com/listing/101984310/pair-of-edith-lewis-silhouettes

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  2. Thanks. I am not having any luck finding more info about her. I also tried to find out the value of any similar Edith Lewis works but to no avail. Do you have any suggestions? Happy New Year.

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  3. I couldn't find any more either, and she is not listed on www.papercutters.info/

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    1. Giving short replies, Internet issues. I'd say the Silhouette is worth maybe $40 since it is real (hand cut), vintage, stamped, and in good shape.

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    2. Peggy McClard antiques is a good source for verified antique silhouettes if you are interested in Silhouettes that are over 100 years old.

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    3. Happy New Year! Good luck finding more info on her. I hope you can!

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