Louis Prang papers, 1848-1932
Prang, Louis,
b. 1824
d. 1909
Printmaker, Lithographer, Publisher
Boston, Mass.
Collection size: 1.2 linear feet
Collection Summary: The papers of lithographer Louis Prang date from 1848 to 1932 and measure 1.2 linear feet. Found within the papers are biographical material, writings, art work, card samples, printed material, and photographs.
Biographical/Historical Note: Louis Prang (1824-1909) was a lithographer, wood engraver, and educator from Breslau, Germany and Boston, Mass. With Julius Meyer, he founded the lithographic business, Prang & Meyer in 1856 which later became L. Prang & Co.. Prang reproduced paintings by noted 19th century artists, and introduced the Christmas card in the 1870s. He is considered the founder of the greeting card business in the U.S.
The Louis Prang papers were donated in 1989 by Thomas West Christopher, M.D., son of E. Wrightson Christopher who compiled the papers while he was a publisher of greeting cards. A photocopied letter and a sales book of samples were donated separately and have unknown provenances.
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