We Buy Arthur Wesley Dow

Arthur Wesley Dow (American 1857-1922) Dow was an important educator as well as artist. He taught many of the woodcut artists of the day and reached many more through his textbook, Composition (1899). I am interested in anything that relates to Dow – paintings, prints, print portfolios, books, posters and photography. I am also interested in odd items: ephemera relating to Dow, glass plate negatives, autographs, letters, etc. There are two smaller versions of the poster, Modern Art. I am generally not interested in them but inquire if you found any as my specific needs change from time to time. In addition to the above listed, I am interested in the following specific items:

There were three sets of the these little packets of six prints each published by Dow. They were printed by hand from metal relief blocks and were issued primarily as teaching aids. Some of the designs are in color and others black and white. Some are designs by Dow and others Oriental designs used to exhibit his theories of art. I am interested in complete sets and single prints. The third set is all copies of the Oriental designs and is of least interest. I will buy the portfolio covers and the title sheets alone (i.e.without any prints) if they become available as I have some sets of prints without covers. Note: these prints often have letterpress titles and other notations.

There was an organization by this name based in Los Angeles in the 1920’s and perhaps later. I know little about them, but am interested in buying items related to it.

Dow’s woodcuts are usually small-often as small as 2 x 4”: and uncommonly larger than 4 x 6”: (although he did prints up to 8 x 10”). It is not uncommon to find unsigned works by Dow and while a signed print is generally worth more, unsigned prints still bring good prices.

This book went through 22 editions over the years. I am most interested in first editions, signed copies or copies owned by known artists but will consider later editions.

Really a portfolio of color woodcuts.

Cover and Illustrations by Dow, text by Everett Stanley Hubbard. See example of a page from the book, above.