Old Pratt & Lambert Print Found In An Old Building.

by Mary Kinch
(PE Canada)

I have a print called A Day For Mary circa 1920. It is one in a series of five first run limited edition reproductions. The Pratt/Lambert/NormanRockwell.

Do you have any info on this????? Its in perfect condition.

Mary Kinch

Hi Mary,
Norman Rockwell painted two advertisements for Pratt & Lambert around 1920. Neither bear the title that you have listed so I must assume that the printer did not use the name listed in Norman Rockwell, A Definitive Catalogue by Laurie Norton Moffatt.

Both paintings were to advertise collection of Pratt & Lambert's "61" brand of varnish and showed practical household uses for the product.

The first to be published was Grandpa's Gift (Grandfather Varnishing the Cradle), an oil on canvas painting. The original painting measures 20.5 x 28.5 inches. It is still part of the collection of Pratt & Lambert, Inc.

As the title implies, the painting shows a grandfather varnishing a baby's cradle, presumably so the child will have his/her (Mary in your title?) own bed. It originally was published in House Beautiful magazine's November 1922 issue.

The other painting that Rockwell painted for Pratt & Lambert circa 1920 was Man Varnishing Doll's Bed for Little Girl. As it's name implies, there is a little girl (Mary in your title?) in this painting.

This painting shows a man, perhaps a professional painter, taking time out from his task of varnishing a floor. He has just completed varnishing a doll bed for a little girl, who has watched his progress over his shoulder. She seems delighted with the appearance of her newly varnished doll bed.

This painting was originally published as an advertisement in the Saturday Evening Post's November 3, 1923 edition.

The original oil on canvas painting measures 24.5 x 27 inches and is also part of collection of Pratt & Lambert, Inc.

Rockwell also painted other paintings for Pratt & Lambert, but they were circa 1924.

I would guess that your print is the one with the little girl. I would love to see a photo to confirm or deny my guess.

Thanks for contributing.

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Jan 05, 2020
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Pratt and Lambert Rockwells
by: Laura Wilkinson

My great Grandfather, James McNulty, was President and Chairman of Pratt and Lambert Paints in Buffalo and commissioned these works from Rockwell for advertising and promotion then (1920 or so). My Grandfather also served as President and Chairman of P&L. The paintings were donated around the time of the merger with Sherwin Williams to Buffalo museums.Unsure of where the lithographs came from...museums may have that knowledge.

Good luck!

Nov 10, 2019
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Norman Rockwell-Pratt Lambert
by: Anonymous

Norman Rockwell-Pratt Lambert

Looking for the value of three paintings.
We have the Grandpas gift, Memories, and one I’m unable to find the name of with two men sitting on a stool with one holding a can of varnish.

Any information will be appreciated.

c.hamilton27@yahoo.com

Jan 21, 2019
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No Holes to Darn
by: Anonymous

Years ago I found a lithograph tucked away behind the shelves of an old general store where I lived. The lithograph was neatly rolled up, stapled to a piece of wood which had been nailed to the wall of the store. It was an advertisement for the Interwoven sock company; the grandma sitting in her chair with her cat at the side of her chair. It is titled "no holes to darn".

It's a treasure my family has had for almost 30 years. Although it has faded - it is still amazing!

Jun 10, 2018
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Rockwell painting in Pratt and Lambert factory
by: Anonymous

My grandfather, Charles Panzica worked at P and L for 43 years. I remember as a child my dad and grandpa gave us a short tour of the factory on Niagara St. On the way out to the office and exit, my grandfather pointed out the old Rockwell painting ad over the door! That memory stuck with me all this time! Don’t remember which one it was, but it was a Rockwell!

Jan 06, 2016
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A day for Mary
by: Andy

I too have this painting called " A day for mary " It is the one with the man painting with a little girl looking over his shoulder. It to says Circa 1920 , one in a series of five limited reproductions - Pratt & Lambert / Norman Rockwell collection , Litho in USA. I also have " Grampa's Gift " and " My favorite Picture " which is a older lady painting a picture of an older gentleman , presuming her husband. All prints have same literature on the bottom. My question is , are these Lithograph prints and what are they worth? .

May 04, 2015
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Oil painting in Pratt and Lambert in Chicago
by: Robert Johnson

I had two uncles and a brother who worked at Pratt & Lambert during the 30s 40s 50s 60s and 70s. My uncle Joe Gallagher who was in charge of Personel showed me an oil painting that was in a conference room in 1955. The subject was a painter who had varnished himself into a corner with a funny look on his face. Does anyone remember that painting or where it could be today? My other uncle's name was John Gallagher and my brother's name was George Johnson.
Robert Johnson bigcrayola@aol.com

Jan 23, 2015
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Nice art
by: Emmily

I really like the advertisements for Pratt & Lambert that is printed by Norman Rockwell. The concept used is excellent and I am sure that this advertisement will capture the attention of the audience and Internet viewers.

Jul 23, 2014
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Norman Rockwell/Pratt Lambert
by: Richard

I have A Day for Mary circa 1920 one in a series of five first run, limited edition reproduction- The Pratt & Lambert/Norman Rockwell collection.

I also have Man sitting on a wooden box holding 61 floor varnish, print is a # 24.

Both in color.

What is the value? Thanks for any help!

Richard, Rumbel@comcast.net

Jul 08, 2014
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P & L Rockwell prints
by: rblee35@roadrunner.com

I have 3 of the series of first run prints. "A Day For Mary", My Favorite Picture", and "Memories".
They are in the original mailing tube that was sent to my dad when he worked in Buffalo. Unfortunately the date on the post office stamp has faded beyond reading but I can guess they were sent sometime in the 40's. I would like to know their value. Any help would be appreciated.

Oct 24, 2013
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Sherwin-Williams and P&L
by: Anonymous

I am working with Sherwin-Williams in their archives department. S-W acquired P&L in 1996 and the original paintings for these 5 pieces were donated to a Buffalo, NY museum around that time.

There were several poster sized prints created by P&L before the acquisition, Franklin Mint commemorative plates, and 2 inch pins with each of the images.

As an Archivist, I do not place a monetary value on our pieces. But I will confirm that this was a limited run in the 1980s with no details on how many were produced.

Jun 26, 2013
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pratt and lambert rockwell prints
by: john

I worked for Pratt & Lambert Paint and was given these 5 prints some 30 years ago, BRAND NEW, at their offices in Buffalo New York. I had them framed and they are in pristine condition. they are as follows

OLDER MAN SETTING AT DESK WITH A LADY WITH A FAN STANDING NEXT TO HIM, AND ON A WOODEN BOX, A CAN OF PRATT & LAMBERT 61 VARNISH, AND IN RIGHT CORNER OF PRINT IS HAS A NUMBER 24 WITH NORMAN ROCKWELL NAME BELOW IT. print itself is 16x18

OLDER MAN KNEELING NEXT TO A CRADEL VARNISHING IT WITH A CAN OF 61 VARNISH SETTING NEXT TO HIM, IN THE RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE PRINT IS NORMAN ROCKWELL NAME

MAN SITTING ON A WOODEN BOX HOLDING A CAN OF FLOOR VARNISH, ACCROSS FROM HIM SITS A YOUNG MAN LISTENING TO HIM AND SITTING ON A WOODEN BOX, IN THE RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE PRINT IS A NUMBER 24 AND NORMAN ROCKWELL'S NAME. print itself is 16x23

A ELDERLY LADY SITTING AT A TABLE VARNISHING A FRAMED PICTURE WITH A CAN OF 61 FLOOR VARNISH MAHOGANY SITTING ON THE TABLE, NORMAN ROCKWELL NAME IN THE RIGHT HAND CORNER OF THE PRINT
print itself is size 16x18, print itself is
16x20

A PAINTER IS KNEELING DOWN ON THE FLOOR WITH A YOUNG CHILD WITH HER ARMS ON HIS SHOULDERS LOOKING AT WHAT HE IS DOING, VARNISHING A SMALL TOY CRIP, NORMAN ROCKWELL NAME IN THE LOWER RIGHT HAND CORNER. print itself is ,size 17x20

I would like to know what these are worth, I may be interested in selling them, they are all double matted with glass on a very nice wooden frame. they have been in this state since I got them more then 30 years ago.

you can contact me through my e-mail at johnminkiewicz@yahoo.com

Apr 11, 2012
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Hello Nick
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your reply
I have the print you would like! Still need to find out how to get a vaule on them. I will start to work on that.
Katherine

Apr 09, 2012
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Pratt & Lambert Prints
by: Nick

I also have three of the four prints: Grandpa's Gift, My Favorite Picture and Memories. In perfect condition - Shrink wrapped on foam-core board. Wondering what their value might be? Where I might find "The Apprentice" to complete the set.

Feb 19, 2012
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the pratt and lambert/norman rockwell 1920
by: katherine

My Grandfather owned a paint store in Tulsa O.K for fifty years. I found four prints in perfect condition. "My favorite picture", The Master's appetence", "Grandpa's Gift", and "Memories". How much are they worth??? Any advice would be great.

thank you
katherinehorde@aol.com

Nov 18, 2011
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a day for mary circa 1920
by: Anonymous

i also have one in a series of five first run. just curious. my brother worked for pratt & lambert and received this as a gift. no one seems to know anything about it.

thanks
tina

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