Stevengraph.
Item: #DA006

The interesting and decorative silk- work pictures know as Stevengraphs were first introduced to the public as a gimmick at the York Exhibition which was opened on 7 May 1879 and continued until 31 October. Over the next three decades, Stevengraphs depicting 188 different themes were produced. Around World War I, silk pictures went out of style, but the works in Coventry continued producing a few Stevengraphs until the time of World War II. The range of Steven's subjects was broad. Portraits of English and German royalty were made along with depictions of politicians, boxers and jockeys. Historical subjects, coaches, trains and battleships were favorites, as were hunting, tennis and cricket scenes. The rarity and condition of a Stevengraph determine its value - and the cardboard mount is important. Information on the back of the mount can help the collector determine the date of a Stevengraph. On labels affixed to the backs, Stevens placed the titles of other Stevengraphs that were available.
"The Home Stretch" - rare landscape Stevengraph depicts an American trotting match between two contestants. Silk is affixed to earliest variation card- mount (type B). The main characteristic of this type card is that the title is printed in fancy lettering, the printed credit under the panel reading: Woven in silk by Thomas Stevens, Inventor and Manufacturer, Coventry and London (Registered). This card- mount was the standard card uses from 1879 to the introduction of type C card in about 1886

◄BACK