Christmas Illustration by Thomas Nast

Christmas decor by Thomas Nast illustrating the poem 'Twas the Night before Christmas by Clement Moore. I have never seen this one and I love the mice not stirring in their cozy little beds. I but have often blogged about Nast and his famous Santa Claus illustration in my collection. I copied this delightful image from @maccullochhall on Instagram, a local house museum across the street from Thomas Nast's house in Morristown, NJ.

Thomas Nast House in Morristown NJ

I had a dentist appointment today in Morristown and stopped to photograph the historic Thomas Nast House on a lovely fall day. I love always having a camera in my pocket. I have to admit that when my iPhone rings it always scares me. I finally have a phone I can hear and I love talking on speaker. It rang when I was in a thrift store around the corner and you will be pleased to know I try to keep the conversation short when I'm in a public place. I don't want to become one of "those" people. 

Thomas Nast is probably most famous for his Santa Claus illustration in the late 19th century. This page from an old Harpers Weekly was in my collection long ago.

Watch this interesting video filmed at Macculloch Hall Museum across the street from the Nast House.

Santa Claus by Thomas Nast 1881

Merry Old Santa Claus
Harper's Weekly January 1, 1881

I had one of the originals and this is my photo of the lithograph which was sold long ago. The historic Thomas Nast House is in nearby Morristown, NJ. I accomplished just about everything I set out to do today and delivered lots of local packages wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string. Really! I hope Santa is good to everyone. Merry Christmas.

I took this photo of the Nast House from my car with my iPhone in the fall.

Santa Claus by Thomas Nast in Harper's Weekly

I photographed this old page from Harper's Weekly circa 1881 some time ago. I must look for it in my bulging flat file. It's the classic image of Santa Claus by the famous illustrator, Thomas Nast. The artist was from Morristown and I drive by his historic home all the time on my way to the library.

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Santa Claus Drawing by Thomas Nast

Iconic Santa image by Thomas Nast circa 1881

Thomas Nast: Santa Claus

Father Christmas. Santa Claus. Saint Nicholas. No matter what you call him, you probably think he looks like this drawing by Thomas Nast. From my collection.

The Antiques Collection of Professor Sir Albert Richardson, P.R.A. with Video

The great eccentric architect Sir Albert Richardson filled his house with treasures. I have been fascinated by the story I posted a couple of days ago with a photo of a hallway full of antiques untouched since 1964.

Richardson’s passion for 18th-century artifacts became all-consuming. Now (September 2013) his grandson is reluctantly selling the collection (Christopher Simon Sykes/World of Interiors/Condé Nast) Be sure to read the article that goes with the above photo. You won't be able to see the other photos in the slideshow unless you subscribe to The London Sunday Times. You can read the article however HERE.

I also found the press release from Christie's in London with a video tour of Avenue House, Richardson's residence. It's amazing. The contents of Avenue House in Ampthill – the collection assembled by Sir Albert Richardson (1880–1964), architect, historian, writer, artist, teacher and sometime President of the Royal Academy – is now being sold by Christie’s in London.
“My house is my yardstick!” Richardson declared. “It is my measuring scale by which I contemplate the past and assess the future.”

Watch the VIDEO of the collections in his home HERE.

We could have been fast friends. He was definitely a kindred spirit. Enjoy reading about this wonderful man. Read one more article HERE and the sadness that was felt when his treasures left Avenue House. Sorry about so many links but I can't get enough. Enjoy. xo