Album Razor-Cut Art from Alan Mays

Margaret Harper, Franklin, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:10:52 +0000

Novelty calling card on heavy card stock with the design cut or slashed into the paper. Although I have a number of these cards, I haven't been able to locate any information regarding their origin. For another example, see William Polk.

William Polk

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:10:54 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A Merry Christmas, 1913

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:10:56 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"A Merry Christmas, 1913."

A novelty postcard decorated with "razor-cut art," including a flower and oval frame (for a photo) cut or slashed into the heavy card stock. For a similar card, see A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, 1910-1911 (below).

A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, 1910-1911

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:10:58 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"A Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, 1910-1911."

A novelty postcard with an attached photo. The card was made from heavy card stock, and the design—including the flower—was cut or slashed into the paper. A single handwritten word—"Post-Card"—appears on the back of the card. I've found a couple of references to similar "razor-cut art" pieces, but haven't been able to learn much about them.

I do have some other postcard examples with "A. Trenner, artist, New York, Atlantic City" printed on the back, and razor-cut art work on the front. A couple of other cut-work postcards are part of the "Kesto Graphic Series." Unfortunately, I haven't been able to track down much information on A. Trenner or the Kesto Graphic Series.

Here's another postcard (below) that's missing a photo but is otherwise similar to the one above. A couple of other razor-cut pieces (see below) seem to be novelty calling cards bearing the names William Polk and Margaret Harper.