Art in the Family

While James E. Allen achieved national recognition as an artist, he was not the only artistic family member. He met his wife, Grace Parmelee Allen, in art school in Chicago. There is evidence she had a hand in some of his works -- background elements of a Brontosaurus display, and "GPA" annotation by the print "Summer" in one inventory of Allen's work among the family papers. Unfortunately we have found no surviving art to tell us if she pursued her own art personally or professionally.

Both Allen daughters took up art, but only one made a career of it. We have found only two examples of art presumed to be by the older sister, Jo Ann Allen.

(above) Golden Dragon (Water Lilies), watercolor. Date unknown. The signature is consistent with examples from family papers, though we know nothing else about this work found at auction. ................................................................................................. (left) Bear Standing on Hind Legs; Joan Allen; linoleum cut, 1936; Cooper Hewitt Museum. The signature also looks authentic, and it's not actually clear if the the name on the print is Joan (per Cooper Hewitt Museum) or Joann. An annotation on this print mentions Larchmont, their home town, and family friends the Mitchels. If this print is by Jo Ann Allen, she would have been 13 at the time, likely learning the craft from her father.
(above) Golden Dragon (Water Lilies), watercolor. Date unknown. The signature is consistent with examples from family papers, though we know nothing else about this work found at auction. ................................................................................................. (left) Bear Standing on Hind Legs; Joan Allen; linoleum cut, 1936; Cooper Hewitt Museum. The signature also looks authentic, and it's not actually clear if the the name on the print is Joan (per Cooper Hewitt Museum) or Joann. An annotation on this print mentions Larchmont, their home town, and family friends the Mitchels. If this print is by Jo Ann Allen, she would have been 13 at the time, likely learning the craft from her father.

The other daughter, Charlotte May "Charmay" Allen, was 17 when she produced this linocut print , a companion gift to her sister's print above -- both are charming and sophisticated for such young artists.

Black Panther; Charlotte May Allen; linoleum cut , 1935
Black Panther; Charlotte May Allen; linoleum cut , 1935

Charmay went on to a long and successful career as a local artist adept in oil, watercolor and pastels. She was a founding member of the Falmouth Artist's Guild, though which she could mentor and promote many local artists.

Her Christmas cards where a family tradition.

Images courtesy of the Allen family estate

-- Lynn McRae (lmcrae@stanford.edu)