Vtg 1905 WL Taylor Photogravure Print Old Clock On The Stairs Longfellow Framed

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Artist & Series: William Ladd (W. L.) Taylor (1854–1926) was an acclaimed American illustrator. In the late 1890s and early 1900s, The Ladies' Home Journal commissioned Taylor to illustrate famous American poems, culminating in his famous Longfellow series published starting in 1904.

The Scene: Depicting Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem "The Old Clock on the Stairs," the artwork captures the bride descending the stairs on her wedding night ("From that chamber, clothed in white, / The bride came forth on her wedding night.").

Markings & Printing: In photo 4, the print displays two distinct lines: the copyright line from Curtis Publishing Co. (1904) for the original magazine release, and the publication imprint "COPLEY PRINT COPYRIGHT 1905 BY CURTIS & CAMERON". Curtis & Cameron of Boston were famous for producing high-end photogravure prints (Copley Prints) on premium heavy paper stock.

Frame: The reverse label confirms the frame was manufactured by Empire Moulding Works (Chicago, IL), a prominent turn-of-the-century maker of high-grade art mouldings and oak frames.

PLEASE NOTE:

This listing and sale is strictly for the framed "The Old Clock on the Stairs" W.L. Taylor print as described. Any surrounding furniture, props, display easels, decorative cards, or background items shown in the Main Lifestyle photograph are for staging and visual demonstration purposes only and are NOT included in the sale.

Condition Description

Condition: Excellent Antique Condition. The 1905 photogravure print is extraordinarily well-preserved under glass with crisp details, clean paper, and no noticeable tears or water damage. The original solid oak frame by Empire Moulding Works shows minor age-appropriate wear marks on the lower left and right corners, retaining its original integrity and backing wire. Please inspect all photos for close-up details.

Listing Description & Advertisement

ANTIQUE 1905 W.L. TAYLOR PHOTOGRAVURE PRINT – "THE OLD CLOCK ON THE STAIRS"

Framed in Original Oak Frame by Empire Moulding Works, Chicago

Presenting an extraordinary piece of turn-of-the-century American art history: an original 1905 Copley Print photogravure by renowned illustrator William Ladd (W. L.) Taylor (1854–1926), depicting Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s beloved poem "The Old Clock on the Stairs."

This captivating illustration captures the classic lines of verse:

"From that chamber, clothed in white, / The bride came forth on her wedding night."

Key Features & Provenance:

Authentic Photogravure Reproduction: Published in 1905 by Curtis & Cameron (Boston), this fine art photogravure features rich tonal depth, crisp detail, and delicate shading achieved through photomechanical copper-plate etching.

Plate-Signed & Copyrighted: In-plate signed by Taylor at the bottom margin, bearing both the 1904 Curtis Publishing Co. copyright and the 1905 Curtis & Cameron Copley Print imprint.

Original Empire Moulding Works Frame: Encased under glass in its original quarter-sawn oak frame created by Empire Moulding Works of Chicago, IL (original paper label preserved on the reverse side).

Generous Size: Framed overall at 25.50" x 20.50" with a visible image area of 19.50" x 14.50".

Provenance: Lovingly preserved and displayed by a single family for over 60 years.

Why This is a Remarkable Collector's Item:

W.L. Taylor's Longfellow series stands as a high point in early 20th-century American illustration art. Finding a 120-year-old photogravure print in such remarkably clean condition—still paired with its original Chicago-crafted oak frame—is increasingly rare. It serves as a striking focal point for collectors of Victorian, Edwardian, Arts & Crafts, or American literary art. 

Large Framed Copley Photogravures (Extremely Rare):

Exact Matches: Full-size framed Copley Print photogravures of this specific image ("The Old Clock on the Stairs") in its original Empire Moulding Works frame are currently not actively available on Etsy, LiveAuctioneers, or general retail sites.

Care and Handling Recommendations for the Buyer

Display Location: Avoid hanging in direct sunlight or areas with extreme humidity (e.g., bathrooms) to prevent paper fading or discoloration over time.

Glass Cleaning: Spray glass cleaner onto a microfiber cloth first—never directly onto the glass surface—to keep liquid from seeping beneath the frame rim onto the print paper.

Hanging Security: Use a heavy-duty wall hook or two-point picture hanger anchored into a stud or wall anchor, as vintage oak frames and original glass carry solid weight.

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We understand that vintage artisan items like these are irreplaceable. That is why every order is professionally processed, packaged, and shipped worldwide daily from our specialized facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. When you shop with our 250+ followers, you aren't just buying an item; you are receiving a piece of history handled with the utmost care.

Sincerely … Sandy Henderson

GA 223