Out with the old...in with the new. I've started 2012 by going into a cleaning frenzy. I have worked my way through every cupboard and closet to try and lighten the load. The biggest hurdle was my studio space. I have a double closet that is packed to the rafters with supplies - though it was so disorganized it made me crazy. Have you ever ended up buying a new tube of paint or some other supply because you couldn't find the one you know is somewhere in an existing heap? Very annoying.
During my sorting, I came across some bits of ephemera that were designed by my paternal grandmother. I have written about her before. She grew up on a ranch here in the Central Valley and later moved to San Francisco (early 1900s) to follow a career as an advertising artist. She designed promotional pieces for the San Francisco Examiner, Sperry Feeds, Ghirardelli Chocolate and Tait-Zinkand Cafe. The following are pieces she designed for Tait-Zinkand Cafe.
These were menu and advertising border proofs that were sent out to the client for approval. My grandmother hand drew the designs, including the hand lettering. I have been so spoiled by my Mac, I stand in awe of her talent sans computer. I have a big box full of many of these proofs. I really need to get a nice acid free album to store them in. Tait-Zinkand Cafe was in San Francisco across from the old Orpheum Theatre. The cafe had popular and classical entertainment every night, dancing and a second restaurant upstairs called the Pave Real. The Pave Real was the launching pad for Rudolph Valentino. He did exhibition dancing there and it was at the Pave that he was discovered by a Hollywood talent scout.
Here's to a happy and healthy 2012!
