Currier & Ives and the Mass Media

Wednesday, 09 January 2008 00:17

SPRINGFIELD, MA  – Prints showing important 19^th-century events and social phenomena will be on view at the Springfield Museum of Fine Arts from January 15 through June 8, 2008, in the special exhibition Extra! Extra! Currier & Ives and the Mass Media.

Before the widespread use of photography, the lithography firm of Currier & Ives provided the American public with visual references about newsworthy events. From images of the Civil War to fires in major American cities to notions about traditional home life, Currier and Ives became the “photojournalists” of the 19^th century.

The firm got its start in 1835 when Nathaniel Currier created a sensation with his print illustrating the great fire that swept through New York City’s business district. In only four days, he printed thousands of copies, attempting to satisfy public demand. The firm became very successful, producing more than 8,000 different scenes of historical events, famous people, leisure activities, domestic life, folk lore, and rural America. Their work influenced public opinion and helped to shape Americans’ view of life in the 19^th-century.  

The prints in the exhibit are from the museum’s Lenore B. and Sidney A. Alpert Currier & Ives collection.

The Museum of Fine Arts is located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in downtown Springfield, MA. Free parking is available in the Edwards Street parking lots. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and college students, $5 for children 3-17, and free for children under three and museum members. Springfield residents are free with proof of address. The fee provides admission to all four Springfield Museums and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.  

For information, call 413-263-6800 or visit www.springfieldmuseums.org .