Framed Paper-Cut Silhouette Portraits by Baron Scotford (USA), c1913

An early pair of full-length silhouette portraits by American silhouette artist Baron Scotford, dated 1913 (created during his time in Regent St, London). Precisely scissor-cut from black inked paper and mounted onto white backing. This portrait group is of a presumed married couple - Gertrude and Herbet Green, signed and embossed with his logo to the lower section. Recently mounted in a contemporary black frame behind glass.

Measurements: Frame - 40cm x 32cm

Condition: The silhouettes are structurally sound within their frame. The white backing paper has yellowed with age and exhibits some foxing throughout, consistent with natural ageing of paper. The cut edges of the silhouettes remain intact with no tears evident. The frame presents without blemishes. Overall, the works are stable and displayable, with expected age-related toning.

Biography: Baron Scotford was an American artist who came to England around 1912, after visiting various countries in Europe. He remained many years in London, operating first from a studio in Regents St, and later from Crystal Palace. He returned to America before World War 2, where he set up a Snip Sketch Studio in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Like his contemporary, Hubert Leslie, he made use of slash cuts to indicate highlights and details in clothing. Unlike Leslie he developed this slash cutting technique to a point where he cut his silhouettes almost to ribbons, and then somehow pushed them back into place when pasting them onto a card.