.jpg)
We have been working on
researching a special painting/print for over a month now. In the
course of the research we have met so many nice people and received
so much information regarding the work. This particular work goes
by two different names. Originally it was titled “Setting the
Pace”, later it was dubbed “Olds Keep Ahead”. Our research has
been a long and winding road and we are coming to the end of our
journey. This item is ready for the marketplace and we will be
letting it go on its next adventure. So, what is this painting and
why is it so special? The more we researched and learned the more we
grew to appreciate the history and representation of the cultural
shift portrayed by William Harnden Foster.
William H. Foster was born
in Massachusetts in 1886 and passed while reporting on the New
England Open Grouse Championship in 1941. He was a celebrated
illustrator and writer that was well known for his hunting and racing
scenes. Scribner's
first published his work in a series illustrating trains while he was
studying under Howard
Pyle. Scribner's asked him to include some writing with his
illustrations, which helped develop a writing career along side
producing works of art. Later they commissioned him to cover the
building of the Panama Canal. Foster was often commissioned by the
railroads and Scientific
American magazine for his portrayal of train and racing scenes.
In 1910 the Oldsmobile
company asked him to render their Oldsmobile Limited on canvas.
Foster depicted the luxury Limited racing a New York Central train
and winning. His representation was showing the shift in the
transportation choice in America during this time. The automobile
was changing our societies view on mass transportation and proved
that the pursuit of personal freedom was not about to slow down. He
titled the work “Setting the Pace”. Once this work was complete
Oldsmobile reproduced the image widely. It quickly became the most
famous automobile painting of all time. One of the very early
reproductions was a special limited chromo-lithographic edition.
This reproduction was a high quality reproduction done on stretched
canvas in 1911 by the Meyercord Company of Chicago. It mirrored the
original in both size and texture. The reproductions were done by
craftsmen and resemble the original down to the aging of the medium
that was used. They had a limited run of 250 copies. So, Setting the
Pace where are you now? The original was believed to have hung in
the office of a car distribution manager of Oldsmobile and given to
him as a retirement gift in the early 1940's. There is no record of
its existence since. In the early 1970's Oldsmobile reproduced
another run of the scene on a smaller scale using a heavy textured
paper for their 75th
anniversary. This may have been the time it picked up its second
name “Olds Keep Ahead”. In the latter part of the seventies
another run was produced on canvas for sale and company awards.
Again, these were smaller than the originals and had subtle
differences. The latter reproductions were produced in mass
quantities and widely distributed.
When we started our
journey we were positive we had an older work on canvas. The item
was sought out using the want ads in Hemmings
Motor News. It was professionally restored in the early 1970's.
Included with the painting is a photocopy of the original ad that
was run in order to locate it. We shared the story with a local art
enthusiast/dealer and friend while seeking information on the
painting. They encouraged us to pursue researching the piece since
the original was missing. We spoke with several, individuals ,
organizations, curators and professionals regarding the history and
ways to detect its authenticity. The piece was examined closely by
several professionals. We have determined that this particular piece
is one of the earlier 250 reproductions produced. We have read but
can not confirm that there are only twelve known to exist with the
original still missing. The restoration performed on this particular
piece was done by a local art restorer that could not be located. He
covered the back of the painting with a protective foam core board to
prevent damage to the painting. The board was removed during an
examination. On the back of the frame there is a very faint series
of numbers that could not be read or deciphered. There is an
individual's name and California address written in light pencil.
The name was researched but could not be traced. The work has the
typical aging and wear of an older oil painting. The item is in need
of a professional cleaning. The painting has intrigued everyone that
it has been shown to. The story and history is captivating to many
different audiences. This is a piece of automotive, transportation,
advertising, cultural and art history. We cherish the opportunity
that was provided to research and make available this very special
and very limited chromo-lithograph. As we move forward and prepare
this item to move along to its next stop we have to ask Olds where
are you going?
Many thanks go out to all
that have helped us correctly identify this item. There are many to
thank but a special thanks to Mr. Moskowitz, The
Fat Cat LTD, The
Village Frame Shop, The Art
Shop, The NC Museum of Art,
The GM Heritage Center
and The Weatherspoon.
