Pullinger, Herbert “Christmas Greetings the Fenningers"

Herbert Pullinger. “Christmas Greetings the Fenningers.” 

Ca. 1940.  3 ½ x 5.  Wood cut.  Signed in pencil.  Old glue stains on verso.  Else, very good condition.  

Home of Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Fenninger, 100 West Moreland Avenue, Chestnut Hill, PA.

A life-long resident of Philadelphia and popular teacher at the old Philadelphia Museum School of Industrial Arts from 1923 to 1958, Herbert Pullinger (1878-1961) practiced also as a painter, printmaker, and commercial illustrator.  Described as an “urban romantic” at a 1991 exhibit of his works at the Atwater Kent Museum, he was a part of the great art movement of the second quarter of the twentieth century that was characterized by the Ashcan School.  He never promoted his art aggressively so prices on his works have  remained moderate; however, at his best he is as good as the great names of his time, and he is fondly remembered in the Philadelphia area by former students and friends who knew him well.  Ref.: Martin P. Snyder, “Herbert Pullinger of Philadelphia: A Memoir” in North American Prints, 1913-1947 edited by David Tatham. (Syracuse, 2006): 110-122.