Talking Prints: a Conversation With Donald Cresswell & Christopher Lane

(April 3, 2008)

The Library Company’s Visual Culture Program got off to a rousing start with our April 3rd program, “Talking Prints: A Conversation with Donald Cresswell and Christopher Lane.” Seventy-five people spent the evening at the Library Company enjoying food and drink and the company of others who share an interest in historical prints. Don and Chris, owners of the Philadelphia Print Shop in the Chestnut Hill section of the city, provided lively commentary about their quarter-century in the print business and their experiences as experts on the Antiques Roadshow program on PBS, and each spoke eloquently about his favorite historical American print. Don described the significance of “The First Reading of the Emancipation Proclamation before the Cabinet,” a large engraving executed in 1864, while Chris captured the audience’s attention with his discussion of John Hill’s 1808 “Plan of the City of Philadelphia and Environs.” Questions and comments from audience members enlivened the conversation. The success of the Visual Culture Program’s inaugural event has set a high standard for our future programs to meet.