Kurz & Allison “The Great Conemaugh-Valley Disaster, Fire & Flood at Johnstown, PA”

Kurz & Allison.  “The Great Conemaugh-Valley Disaster, Fire & Flood at Johnstown, PA.”

Chicago: Kurz & Allison, 1890.  17 ½ x 25 (image).  Chromolithograph.  Repaired tear just into image bottom left corner.  Upper left hand corner chipped.  Three old repaired tears in margins.  Old tape on verso.  Otherwise, very good condition.  A/A

The Chicago firm of Kurz & Allison is well remembered for its production of commemorative prints using the latest technological advances.  Founded in 1880, their avowed purpose was to design “for large scale establishments of all kinds, and in originating and placing on the market artistic and fancy prints of the most elaborate workmanship.”  Elaborate they certainly were–the majority of their prints being extremely busy, with action throughout the image.  Drawn in a rigid style that follows from Kurz’s background as a muralist, these prints have a simplicity that makes them not only interesting historical documents but also excellent large scale decorative images.  A wonderful example of the output of this Chicago firm.