Beautiful ORIGINAL Charcoal Drawing Signed by Listed Artist Ben Messick (1901 -1981), framed and matted, with “Estate of Ben Messick FRSA” Stamp/Label located on the back of the frame (see pictures). On the front of the drawing in the lower-left corner, Ben Messick wrote “Studies for the Frank Wiggins Trade School Murals” by Ben Messick. This is a WONDERFUL example of a’Study of a Mural’ at a Historic Los Angeles Area college, by a prolific California/American artist. Ben Messick is a well-known, and well collected artist. Ben Messick has also been called “the American Daumier”. Frank Wiggins Trade School was founded in 1925, and was renamed Trade-Technical Junior College in 1954, and was eventually renamed to Los Angeles Trade-Technical College L. In the 1940s, he was a sketch artist for Disney Studios and Metro-Goldwyn Mayer and he taught at the Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles from 1943 to 1951. From 1948 to 1953, he also taught classes at the San Diego School of Arts and Crafts. Messick’s vernacular observations are intended to bring to life the color and the spirit of his times. During the Depression years, he worked on a number of WPA murals in the Los Angeles area and did three murals for the United States Treasury Department in Washington DC. His work has been widely exhibited and is included in such collections as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Laguna Art Museum, and the Springfield Museum of Art in Missouri. Source: Peter Falk, Who Was Who in American Art Cline Fine Art files. The Drawing has the ORIGINAL’Estate of Ben Messick’ Label, and has an item number listed of “639D”, and has the original Estate of Ben Messick F. Someone wrote a date onto the estate-label of 11/93. The same person/handwriting also wrote, To Steve and Kathy, for all the hours spent on the Messick Project! Thanks, Mom and Dad (see pictures 4 & 11). The Frame is in’fair’ condition, as there is some loss to the staining on the front of the frame (pictured), and some smaller loss to the stain on two of the edges of the frame (not pictured, but can provide upon request). The Frame is 19 1/4″ x 16 3/4″. The Charcoal Drawing measures 11 3/4″x 9 1/4″ (measurements taken from visible portion of drawing within the matting). The dust cover has been taped around perimeter of the back of the frame (picture #4). In the bottom right-hand corner on the back of the frame, under the tape, you can see’1500′ was written on the back of the frame onto the dust cover perhaps the original asking price? This drawing was hung away from sunlight in a smoke-free home. The Original Charcoal Drawing has a few minor condition issues from what I can see without taking the frame and matting apart (I would rather leave that endeavor to the new owner). The paper of the drawing has a few small tears (pictures 8, 9, 10), but whomever had the drawing framed, also had the tears repaired by the framer. You cannot lift the paper from the areas of the tear(s), as they have been repaired in a manner to prevent further damage. The few tears are barely noticeable, as you have to come really close to the picture to inspect for imperfections. There are also a few creases due to age (can see in picture 3), but has a more noticeable crease in the upper right-hand corner of the drawing (see picture 12). I have tried to give a full-disclosure of the drawings condition/issues, but in case you have any additional queries, would be more than happy to provide additional pictures. Would be happy to provide additional pictures upon request. I always strive to offer 5-Star Service! (ASKART has Ben Messick having lived from 1891 – 1981). Thank you for your understanding.
