Nativity Scene; Designed by Camm Studios for Christmas 1901
Smethwick: Camm Studios, 1901. Quarto (10 by 8 inches), single sheet of watermarked paper, folded in half. Small auction house sticker to upper corner of blank rear panel, light soiling to outer panels, interiors fine. Scarce. Item #1768
"HEARTIEST GREETINGS / CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR"
Large Nativity Scene, splendidly illustrated by Thomas William Camm and engraved by Camm Studios as a Christmas card in December 1901. Last Christmas I had a similar copy, which was signed in ink by T.W. Camm. This copy is unsigned but is finished with red accents. Would look lovely in a simple mat and frame.
As the founder and chief artist of Camm Studios, T.W. Camm was one of the most accomplished stained-glass designers of the period. After training with Chance Brothers in Smethwick, Camm established his own firm in 1888, designing and manufacturing painted glass windows for ecclesiastical and secular customers all over the world. The American architect Ralph Adams Cram wrote "at the present moment a large number of artists in England are producing work of most singular beauty and perfection. Amongst these I have no hesitation in placing Mr. Camm easily as the first."
The interior page is printed in red-and-black with "To / From" (still blank) and a verse from Hark! The Herald Angels Sing: "Hail the Heaven-Born Prince of Peace! / Hail the Son of Righteousness! / Light and Life to All He Brings, Risen with Healing in His Wings." Camm's three children joined the business and took over on Thomas's death, with his daughter Florence as the principal designer. Florence, who had attended the Birmingham School of Art, was known as "an outstanding draughtswoman." See Sally Hoban. Florence Camm and the Camm Studio of Smethwick (History West Midlands).
Price: $250.00