Birmingham state herald., 1897-02-28

the Birmingham Art League, mas aiou4'cu so many inquiries as to the nature Of such an exhibition that it may be of interest to our readers to note the history or the rise of the Poster artist. There were pay bills galore before the time of Frederick Walker, but they were never deslgneo by prominent artists as they are or ldte years, and were anything but a pleas ure to the eye In 1871 the first charac- teristfc poster was designed by Frederick Walker to illustrate Wilkie Collins ara natization of Woman in White. He hoped for many followers in thls new line of work, writing at the time: T am bent on doing all can with first at tempt at what I consider might develop into a most important branch or art. he was disappointed, however; hls own pos ter was all that came of it, as the time was not ready for this great street re- form. This was in England.
 In France Jules Cheret, who is still con- sidered to stand at the head Of poster makers was the first to bring such Worh into prominence Poster magazines were enthusiastic over his work, dubbing him the poster poet" the magician of the brush" admiring his rich imagination, and vivid, yet harmonious coloring. Notice his posters and you will detect the reason for such enthusiasm-they are Frenchy, yes. very. But his designs are usually such charmingly airy, frolicsome creatures. He is fond of carnival scenes and masquerades, treating them with a charming lightness and gaiety of spirit. His coloring is frequently vehement. but never harsh or vulgar Brilliant reds and yellows are used in a lavish manner, but they never clash.
 Leon and Alfred Chonbrae followed Cheret. Then came host of others. Steinlen, of "Le Chat-Noir" fame; Tou- louse-L Lautree, with his bold struggling lines; Grasset, who shows fondness for stately knights and maids from the days of chivalry; Pal, Bac Neunier, Lapeure, Bontsset and Millette. Many of us are familiar with Grasset'S poster adVertlS- ing the Napoleon articles in the Century. The picture is suffused with a strange red and yellow light against which stands out the figure of Napoleon reining in his war horse on the brink of the abyss. The significance is that Napoleon has led his army to the uttermost point where vic tory is possible Beardsley interpreted poster work in an entirely different man. ner from other artists. His idea Is that the human figure can be conventionaliZed in decorative art just as effectively and cleverly as flowers are treated. This was decidedly new idea in the decorative art, and one which only the test of time and usage can determine it's success, if of value His productions are grotesque in the extreme. It is generally conceded that he has great art, but his boldnesS in this line has caused consternation, and his career is being watched by his fellow artists with great interest. During his serious illness short while back an arti- cle in one of our magazines read like perfect 'tale of wee" the refrain of which was the ardent wish that Boards ley might be spared long enough to Ere trieve himself and show us what he means" He has been spared, and is still making fun of us by producing his whim- sical posters which are truly hideously fascinating.
 In America, four names stand out as leaders-Will H. Bradley, Louis Rhead, Edward Penfield and Ethel Reed. Others are SO close upon their heels that it is difficult to discriminate.
 The days of the old play-bill are gone, and soon we will no longer be haunted by the lithographic horrors that have de- graded our streets. There are artists who have grown famous on their poster de signs alone, and many art collectors who have displayed enthusiastic interest in collecting such designs. Three monthly magazines are devoted entirely to the promulgation of the poster fad The artist advertisers have joined their 'n- terests. with result that is one of the most characteristic features of this age called it. MRS. o. WI UNDERWOOD. At the South Side Baptist church his morning the music will be unusually good Resides an excellent quartette there will be solo by Mrs. H. H. Sinnige. Miss Edna Gockel will be in charge of the organ.
 Miss Maye Cook, a charming young lady from 1on,gomery. is visiting the family of MT. w H. Herrck
 Mrs. George w. Eldridge. of Nashville, Tenn. is in Birmingham on visit to her cousins Messrs. William and Frank FL Is She is domciled at the Morris.
 Miss Agnes Nolan. of Chattanooga, is visiting her. cousin. Miss Maggie Mcleod, on the North Highlands.
 Miss Nellie Youngblood. of Atlanta. is visiting relatives at the residence of Mrs. J. T. Nixon
 Mrs. ". H. Richardson, of Gadsden, is visiting her sister. Mrs M A. Myatt, 2012 Fifth avenue.
 Mrs. Ball has besn rendered card parties by Mrs. Wyman and Mrs. Graham since her arrival in the city.
 Mrs. H. K. White will lave Monday to visit relative in Washington and inci- dentaly take in the inauguration.
 Mrs. Gov. Johnston is visiting rela- tives and friends in the city
 Mrs. J. F. Graham entertained Mrs. George c. BaN, of Atlanta, yesterday v afternoon Euchre was the order of the evening. The decora ton was beautifully carried out with Mardi Gras colo:s, even sE<zr<zsE IF