Little can be found online about Fred A. Mayer. The only biographical information I found is that he was born in 1904. There are a few books available that he illustrated. Other than that, he's almost unknown.
This article, from the 1940 Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus Magazine and Daily Reviewprovides a little bit about the artist.
Click on either image to see it larger.
(SOURCE: Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus Magazine and Daily Review, 1940)
The art of the silhouette does not have the power it once had, but it's still used today in ways you probably don't even notice. You know that deer crossing sign you see? Silhouette art. Men or women signs for bathrooms...silhouette art. To read a little about the history of silhouette art click here.
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I love the silhouettes of long ago. In fact I have several 1930's framed silhouettes here in the room where I have my computer.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky. I never even see any in antique stores. I think there used to be a person at either Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm who would do your portrait as a silhouette. I'm sure it's a lost art.
DeleteWhen I was a kid I was at both Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. I wonder if Knott's Berry Farm is still there. If so, I suppose it and its surroundings have changed considerably over the last 50-some years.
ReplyDeleteIt still exists, but is not the place you remember. The quaintness is gone. It now competes with other parks with all sorts of rides. You, like me, probably remember the dirt parking lot with the chickens wandering around. Then standing in line for the chicken dinner with all the rolls and jam to eat that you wanted. I stopped going there a long time ago. I'd rather keep my memories intact.
DeleteYou jogged my memory so now I do recall the chickens and dirt parking lot at Knott's Berry Farm. It was, well, somewhat like a farm. A good memory it is. I still have one of its mid-1950's souvenir plates. I think I'll use it for supper tonight. :-)
ReplyDeleteCindi Harwood did my silhouette in 1972, she also did some logos for my company, and her work is just that amazing as Fred A. Mayer, I noticed her last name is also Rose, now, but her work is quite special.
ReplyDeleteLarry Brochstein
If you have a link for a website for her I'd happily post it.
DeleteI saw some great silhouette artwork by Cindi H. Rose on Peggy McClard's Antique silhouette website, she also has carried the work of Edourt, and Mr. Mayer, and may have pieces now of their work.
ReplyDeleteRandolf Greystone