L. W. Currey, Inc.

DOOLITTLE, HAROLD. Yosemite Park ... [caption title]. N.p., n.d. [Circa 1925.]. Original aquatint engraving of Half Dome with trees in the foreground, signed by Doolittle in the lower right margin. Image measures 8.3x9.8 cm (3 3/4 x 3 7/8 inches). Matted with a quote about Yosemite by John Muir. The calligraphy with gold initial letter was also done by Doolittle. The two pieces are mounted together in a new mount measuring 24x15.5 com (9 1/2 x 6 inches). Originally issued as a Zamorano Club Keepsake in the 1920s. "Well known and respected Pasadena graphic artist, Harold L. Doolittle made his own etching and printing press, his own paper, built furniture, was a master calligrapher and a bookbinder. Examples of his work are found in the California Design 1910 Exhibition catalogue. His chief contribution to the art of California was undeniably his etchings and aquatints. Harold L. Doolittle (1883-1974) was born in Pasadena, California. He was an etcher and civil engineer who studied at Cornell University (1903-1906) and Throop Polytechnic Institute (later California Institute of Technology). He served as President of the Pasadena Society of Artists in 1943, and Vice President of the Los Angeles Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1934. He worked for many years as chief design engineer for the Southern California Edison Company. Doolittle worked in all the graphic processes including photography and collotype, but he is most noted for his aquatints. The Muir quote reads as follows: 'Yosemite Park is a place of rest, a refuge from the roar and dust and weary, nervous, wasting work of the lowlands, in which one gains the advantages of both solitude and society. It is good for everybody, no matter how benumbed with care, encrusted with a mail of business habits like a tree with bark. None can escape its charms. Its natural beauty cleans and warms like a fire, and you will be willing to stay forever in one place like a tree'" (thanks to Nat Des Marais Rare Books for the reading note). The top edge margin of the engraving is frayed and chipped; the image is not affected. The old mount is has been preserved. Doolittle etchings seldom come on the market and etchings with Doolittle calligraphy are rarely encountered. (#166332).