PROGRAM FOR VENICE IN LONDON, PRODUCED BY IMRE KIRALFY, 1891

Imre Kiralfy (1845-1919) was a theatre enthusiast who produced a series of stage spectaculars during the late 19th century. Kiralfy became famous for his extravagant dance-based theatrical productions, featuring large coordinated dance groups, innovative special effects, and elaborate high-quality sets and costumes. In 1891, Kiralfy produced what was perhaps his most unique and remarkable show, Venice in London, a combined spectacular play and exhibition. Staged at the Olympia Theatre in London, Kiralfy replicated the bridges and canals of Venice using machinery, water and electricity.

PEACOCK IN AN ARCHITECTURAL SETTING, BY JAMES RYDER VAN BRUNT, Mid 19th Century

James Ryder Van Brunt (1820-1916) was an American artist and Brooklyn native. Born on his family farm in old Gowanus, land that is now part of Green-Wood Cemetery, Van Brunt was of Dutch heritage, his ancestors having settled in the area as early as the seventeenth century. Van Brunt took inspiration from the Dutch heritage of the region, specializing in watercolors of local farmhouses and churches. The work pictured above, Peacock in an Architectural Setting, demonstrates Van Brunt’s artistic skill, even when working outside of his usual subject matter.

PUBLICITY PHOTOGRAPH OF FRANK MORGAN, 1938

Francis Wupperman, better known by his stage name, Frank Morgan (1890-1949), will forever be remembered for his role as the title character in the Wizard of Oz. An eccentric and jovial character actor, Morgan was already a well-respected long before his 1939 role as “The Wizard.” His first film was released in 1916, over a decade before the first “talkies” were introduced. Sound films enabled Morgan to really flourish as an actor and he became highly sought after for both comedic and dramatic roles. In the accompanying photo, Morgan demonstrates his juggling ability, a skill he learned for a scene in his 1938 film “The Crowd Roars.”

ANTHONY’S PHOTOGRAPHIC BULLETIN, PUBLISHED BY E. & H.T. ANTHONY & CO., July 24, 1886

During the second half of the nineteenth century, Edward Anthony (1819-1888) played an important role in the advancement of photography. He founded what would become the largest supplier of photographic supplies in the United States, E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. The company sold everything from photographic chemicals to studio backdrops. The magazine, “Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin,” was published by the company from 1880 through 1902. The publication included a variety of articles pertaining to the art of photography as well as advertisements for all sorts of photographic supplies.