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I
chose
this poster from my own collection to represent rowing antiques,
as it's about my strongest rowing piece. The advertising copy
references Henley Regatta in England, but this poster is all
American. In the bottom right corner it's marked Central
Litho and Eng. NY. In the bottom left corner it's marked
No. 1911. I wonder if there were actually that many
printed?
Apparently it must have been
quite an elaborate production, based on the statement: "the
entire stage covered with 50,000 gallons of real water".
Some of the American theater posters I've seen from this era
were very attractive and compelling. Today it's hard to
visualize the theater as one of the main sources of
entertainment, but back then it must have been, and these
posters probably held a lot of influence.
I
go to all kinds of antiques shows and flea markets looking for
sports antiques. I found this at the toniest one I've ever been
to. The Fall Antiques Show in San Francisco, held once a year at
Fort Mason, in the Marina District, right on the bay. Most years
there is a Poster Fair at Fort Mason the same weekend, so you
can see two shows same day. It's great!
Jay
Conover exhibits at the antiques show, and he has excellent
taste. This was displayed on the outer wall of his booth, and I
happened to spot it. He was asking I think it was around
$2,500.00. It fell into the "phenomenal but can't afford
it" category for me. Al I could do was take photos. About a
month or so later I got the money and Jay still had it, so I was
able to buy it. As I recall I think I got it for $2,300.00
Coincidently Jay is married to Sarah Stocking. She's a major
dealer in vintage posters. Basically she deals in only the best.
All her stuff looks like museum pieces in perfect
condition. I think Jay said she'd gotten this in Europe.
I
look forward to writing more about rowing antiques as soon as I
get some time. It's a very interesting area of sports antiques.
Further
detailed
commentary on this fascinating subject of rowing display antiques is forthcoming, please check
back. Thank you for your patience
- Carlton
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