09 Jun bld. 51 museum and archive acquires several richly colored currier and ives hand-colored lithographic prints pertaining to the great chicago fire of 1871
June 9, 2026
in Bldg. 51, Events & Announcements, Featured Posts, Miscellaneous, New Acquisitions, New Products, Uncategorized
among the most iconic prints issued during the fire are three 1871 hand-tinted currier & ives lithographs of chicago before and during the great chicago fire.
currier & ives was a prolific new york city printmaking firm active from 1834 to 1907. known as “the grand central depot for cheap and popular prints,” it produced millions of affordable hand-colored lithographs that captured 19th-century american life, including winter scenes, landscapes, political subjects, and major historical events.
history & founders
nathaniel currier: he founded the firm in 1834 after completing a lithography apprenticeship in boston and first gained attention by quickly producing illustrated news sheets for major events.
james merritt ives: he joined the firm as a bookkeeper in 1852, became a partner in 1857, and helped oversee business operations while choosing subjects with broad popular appeal.
iconic imagery & themes
currier & ives produced more than 7,500 lithographs in small, medium, and large folio sizes. many of these works reflected a changing american landscape and culture.
winter and holiday scenes: prints such as american homestead winter and central park, winter helped define the warm, nostalgic victorian holiday aesthetic.
the american west and expansion: prints such as across the continent depicted railroads, westward migration, and industrial growth.
everyday americana: popular subjects included horse racing, steamboat disasters, maritime life, and rural homesteads.
