Pierce, B.W.

The Fairhaven [Hotel]--Fairhaven, Washington Chromolithographic Poster

B.W. Pierce. The Fairhaven [Hotel]--Fairhaven, Washington Chromolithographic Poster

Poster measures 28 1/4 x 21 3/4 inches. Fair condition. Multiple areas within the poster have been archivally repaired including several long tears plus in-fill with paper backing and inking. Some previous water damage evident with paper rippled. The poster had long been in a frame with light toning to exposed area. Removed from non-period frame and matting. When framed with archival non-glare glass the poster looked nice and presented well.

Tremendous relic from the Fairhaven Hotel of Fairhaven District of Bellingham, Washington. Located at the northeast corner of Harris Ave. and 12th St., the Fairhaven Hotel was built in 1890 and was considered one of Puget Sound's finest hotels complete with a hydraulic elevator, gas and electric lights, fine oak furniture, gold-framed pictures, marble fireplace mantles, and gourmet meals. The panic of 1893 was the beginning of the end for the Fairhaven, closing as a hotel in 1899 even after a full remodel a year earlier.

The artist, Bruce Wellington Pierce, was best known for bird's-eye views of western cities. Pierce published a Portland, Oregon view in 1890 and a famous Los Angeles image in 1894. In 1891 he created a bird's-eye for the Fairhaven Land Company. We surmise that this print was created at the same time. The Whatcom Museum apparently holds a copy of this rarity within their archives (Whatcom Museum Photo Archives # 1971.03.02).

According to John Reps, Wallace William Elliott was a lithographic artist, printer, and publisher based in the San Francisco, specializing in birds-eye views.

A rare chromolithographic print from Bellingham, Washington from the late 19th century.

Will ship flat. Item #2722

Price: $1,200.00