James Swann Etchings
In 1953 Mr. Max Frankenberger of Frankenberger & Co., a Charleston department store, presented a collection of original etchings by Chicago artist James Swann to Morris Harvey College (now the University of Charleston) for permanent display in the Library
Reproductions of the etchings were sent each year as the company's New Year greeting gift to its customers. Each was accompanied with a text sheet describing the drawing and wishing the recipient well for the coming year. The series, which became known as "Things West Virginian," began in 1946 and continued until at least 1975. The text included with the 1946 drawing explained the genesis of the program:
During the Holiday Season we had many inquiries regarding the picture of the West Virginia State Capitol used on the cover of our Christmas Booklet. So, as a small token of our appreciation, we have had the original etching, by James Swann of Chicago, reproduced for framing if you wish.
The original works are done in black ink on a white background, and measure approximately 9.5 inches by 14.5 inches. The reproductions are black ink on a cream-colored background, and measure approximately 7 inches by 10 inches.
The University of Charleston owns 21 Swann etchings. The collection includes:
"The State Capitol at Snowtime" (1946)
"Kanawha Airport" (1947)
"West Virginia's State Capitol Showing New Circular Drive and Court"(1948)
"New Administration Building Kanawha Airport" (1949)
"Morris Harvey College" [Riggleman Hall, The University of Charleston] (1950)
"Governor's Mansion State of West Virginia" (1952)
"Old West Virginia State Capitol, in Charleston" (1955)
"Winter Time at Hawk's Nest" (1956)
"Locks in Marmet, West Virginia" (1958)
"The Greenbrier (Old White), White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. as it appeared in 1858" (1959)
"Medical Center, West Virginia University" [Morgantown] (1960)
"'Sunrise', New Home of Children's Museum Cultural and Garden Center, located in Charleston" (1961)
"The Showboat Rhododendron Centennial" (Date Unknown, possibly 1963)
"West Virginia Pavilion, New York World's Fair" (1964)
"Charleston Civic Center" (Date Unknown)
"Charleston's Changing Skyline" (1967)
"The West Virginia University Fieldhouse" (1968?)
"West Virginia State Capitol Building Complex" (1969?)
"Blaine Island" (Date unknown)
"Mountaineer Statue at West Virginia State Capitol" (Date Unknown)
"Cass Scenic Railroad" (Date Unknown)
The James Swann etchings are available for viewing by the public during regular Library hours.
librarian@ucwv.edu
Last updated by JEA 7/26/07