~MISS ELLEN HATTIE CLAPSADDLE...Your Amazing Work Lives On~

~UNSIGNED ARTWORK~

Early Valentine

If you are a lover of vintage graphics like I am, then no doubt you are aware of the amazing artwork created by Ellen Clapsaddle's hand. This was a blessed woman indeed. From the first time I laid eyes on her beautiful paintings I fell in love with her work and I've been a fan ever since.

Like many artists of her day, and especially so because she was a woman, her life was full of many tragic turns.

~SIGNED ARTWORK~
A Valentine Favorite

She was born Ellen Hattie Clapsaddle on January 8, 1863. She passed away 75 years ago today...one day short of her 69th birthday.

~MORE SIGNED ARTWORK~

While doing a bit of research about Miss Ellen's life I learned she was a shy and delicate child who loved to draw. Encouraged by both her parents and teachers, she grew into one of the most prolific greeting card and postcard artists of her time.

Oddly enough there doesn't seem to be a drawing or image of the woman who brought so much beauty into the world...

Miss Ellen graduated from Richfield Springs Seminary in Richfield Springs, New York in1882 and went on to further her art education at the Cooper Institute in New York City. Later she returned home to South Columbia where she began offering painting lessons in her home.

~MY FAVORITE FAIRY~
Unsigned

After the death of her father in 1891, Ellen and her mother moved in with an aunt who lived back in Richfield Springs. For many years she continued to give art lessons, painted, made endless illustrations and even did some freelance artwork. She went on to spend several years in Germany working for International Art Company.

~VICTORIAN PRINT~
Signed - One In a Series

After returning to New York around 1906, Ellen was hired by the Wolf Brothers (a sub-company of International Art Company) as an Illustrator. During her time at Wolf her success was unequaled. Following their lead, Ellen invested heavily in German postcard firms and later traveled there to work with their engravers. Her mother passed away while overseas.

Unbelievably, Ellen was their sole artist. Can you even imagine that today?

In August 1914, during the outbreak of World War I, Ellen was still in Germany. The Factories were destroyed, including most all her original paintings and drawings and prints. Not only were the business records burned, but because of the ongoing War incoming messages were never received or answered. Before long Miss Ellen found herself far from the United States, she was penniless and alone.

~ALTERED ART~

Using Miss Clapsaddle's Work

It was impossible for the Wolf Brothers to receive supplies coming from Germany. Heavily affected by the war, they eventually closed their business. When the War ended, and with loan money, one of the brothers traveled to Europe in search of Ellen. She was finally found six months later wandering the streets. She was hungry and very ill and only 55 years old.

She was brought her back to New York as she was no longer capable of earning a living. Her health quickly declined. Mr. Wolf, her caregiver, died penniless himself only a few years after returning with Ellen to America. Now alone and mentally incapacitated, she entered The Peabody Home in New York City in January 1932. She passed away about two years later. She was completely broke and alone. She had never married, had no siblings and bore no children.

~MY VERY FAVORITE IMAGE~

This One I Paid Big Bucks For

Ellen Clapsaddle remains my FAVORITE Vintage Postcard Artist of all time. I love her work. I love her vision. I love her passion. On this anniversary of her passing I pray she knows how much the beautiful images she created long ago have been dearly loved and adored.

Thank you, Miss Ellen Hattie Clapsaddle. You continue to bless us all. If you'd like to read one of my previous posts on Miss Clapsaddle, just click HERE.

Blessings to you as you honor those who have gone before...Rebecca