Leonard H. Mersky, Duke of Gloucester Street, Willamsburg, Circa 1970

Description

This artwork titled " Duke of Gloucester Street, Willamsburg" c. 1970 Is an original etching on paper by noted American … more This artwork titled " Duke of Gloucester Street, Willamsburg" c. 1970 Is an original etching on paper by noted American artist Leonard H. Mersky, 1917-1994. It is signed, titled and numbered 56/200 in pencil by the artist. The size of the plate mark (image) is 6.75 x 7.75 inches, framed size is 15.15 x 16.15 inches. The artwork is in excellent condition, the frame is in good condition, it has minor dents.

About the artist.

Born in Boston in 1917, Leonard Mersky was an artist in his early teens. He attended the Massachusetts College of Art, while being privately tutored by the famous etcher, William "Petie" Bicknell, absorbing this American master's technique and knowledge.
Serving in the Navy during World War II where he was assigned to working on top-secret maps for the invasion of Japan, Leonard Mersky did not return home until January 1946.
He entered the family shoe business and remained in that industry until 1972 when the factory closed. He retained his interest in fine art, but his responsibilities as a husband and father prevented him from indulging in his art as anything more than a hobby. But with the closing of the shoe factory, Mersky decided to make his art a full-time endeavor.
His clients soon included Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, with whom he had a 10-year contract. He created more than 20 original copper plates for Colonial Williamsburg.
Among other buyers were Mystic Seaport in Connecticut, and Plymouth Plantation and Sturbridge in Massachusetts. Leonard Mersky's work is found in numerous collections, including the fine-print collection of Georgetown University. less