1861 Prang Lithograph | Dock Square Boston

This original & historic 1861 lithograph print published by Louis Prang has just arrived in the shop! There are sooo many incredible stories connected to this one work. 

The “Old Warehouse” was affectionately titled the “The Old Feather Store” in Dock Sq. Boston

Dimensions:

• Original Print appx 17 3/4" W x 13 3/4" H
• With mat appx 21 1/4" W x 17 3/4"

Condition Notes:

• Colors very sharp with some additional hand-painted accents
• 3 small tears (2 - 1" and 1-2") along white litho border. The 2" tear intrudes on print in upper left 
  
• See images for detail

Historical Insights:

Built in 1680 by Thomas Stanbury – The Old Feather Store was located on Ann St (then North) in Dock Square. Dock Square was Boston’s first wharf & commerce area beginning in the 1630s. Check out the last 1743 map image with notations.
The Old Feather Store location is now, appx 1 Union St adjacent to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market (that is visible on the right-hand side of the print). Prior to filing in the tidal flats of the area, this shop was on the waterfront of Boston Harbor & then, by 1860, ¼ mile away from the waters edge. With its heavy oak timber framing, overhanging gables & a stucco exterior composed of gravel & shards of colored glass – it was considered one of the most picturesque buildings in the country. It was owned and run by a number of successive retailers from an apothecary to trade goods - including a furniture & feather store that prompted its long-standing nickname.

Despite its age & unique architecture, historical preservation was not a major concern in the era & it was demolished in 1860. Now only a single 17th century structure remains in Boston – the Paul Revere House in the North End.

A few notable words on this lithograph by Louis Prang  (I'm a huge fan 😉)
Prang, born in Prussia in 1824 emigrated to Boston in 1854 after a long apprenticeship with his father learning engraving, dyeing & printing. In 1856 Prang created a press to produce lithographs that specialized in print of buildings and area towns. By 1860, he began work in color printing of advertising, business materials & maps during the Civil War. In 1873 began creating greeting cards for the popular market in England at the time. By 1874, he extended the sales of Christmas cards in America. As a result - he is often called the “father of the American Christmas card”.